CTD arrests ‘sectarian militant’

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Sindh Police claimed on Monday to have arrested an alleged militant.

According to CTD in-charge Sarwar Awan, the arrested suspect is affiliated with a banned sectarian outfit, Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan. Hand grenades and a fund book were recovered from his possession.

The suspect, identified as Saleem Haider Zaidi alias Saleem Bhai alias Rehman alias Rajab, has reportedly confessed to being involved in various acts of terrorism and crimes, including the killings of Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai, Mufti Jamil and a foreigner, during an initial course of interrogation. He also admitted to attacking a mosque of a rival sectarian group with a hand grenade near Nagin Chowrangi.

Awan said that the Zaidi's name was placed on the CTD's Red Book, adding that he was arrested during a raid carried out at University Road based on a tip-off. He further claimed that Zaidi had received militant training in Parachinar and is an expert in making explosives.

Multiple cases have been registered against him. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2020.