Imran blames intelligence failure for Karachi terror attack

PTI chairman hits out at the "state's lack of clear proactive anti-terrorism policy"

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on saturday blamed a "failure of intelligence" and the "state's lack of clear proactive anti-terrorism policy" for the terrorist attack in Karachi and a spike in terrorism in the country's urban centres.

Terrorists wearing suicide vests and carrying automatic weapons and grenades attacked the Karachi Police Office located on the city's main artery on Friday, martyring two policemen and a Sindh Rangers trooper and injuring 16 others. 

The attack, which resulted in an hours-long siege, was claimed by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Read: Terrorist attack on Karachi police office widely condemned

The attack—which came weeks after a suicide bomber martyed at least 61 people, mostly policemen, during prayers at a mosque in Peshawar—once again ignited fears of another wave of terrorism in the country which had been crushed during successful military operations in recent years.

"Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Karachi Police Office yesterday. Once again our brave police were targeted," former prime minister Imran Khan wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on Karachi Police Office yesterday. Once again our brave police were targeted. The sudden spike in terrorism esp in the midst of urban centres reflects a failure of intelligence & the State's lack of a clear proactive anti terrorism policy.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 18, 2023

He said that the sudden spike in terrorism, especially in the urban centres, reflected a failure of intelligence and the absence of a clear and proactive anti-terrorism policy from the Pakistani state.

A five-member committee, led by a deputy inspector general of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), was formed on Saturday to investigate the terrorist attack on the KPO and trace the facilitators of the attackers. 

Security forces have identified two of the terrorists involved in the attack. Of the three militants killed in the retaliatory action by the security forces, two terrorists hailed from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Earlier in the day, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the terrorist attack. During a telephonic conversation, the provincial chief executive informed the prime minister regarding facts collected on the attackers.

Also read: Security forces identify two terrorists involved in Karachi attack

The premier expressed relief that there was no major loss of life or destruction. He furthered that the forces eliminated the assailants with great bravery. He also congratulated all officers and officials involved in the operation.

PM Shehbaz vowed to support the increase in the capacity of provincial governments to end terrorism. The prime minister also appreciated the spirit of the Sindh CM for taking timely action and being present on the spot.