Attack on Japanese citizens exposes intelligence lapses

CTD, Special Branch of Sindh police failed to anticipate terror threat

KARACHI:

The recent suicide attack on a van transporting Japanese citizens in Mansehra Colony, Landhi, followed by gunfire targeting the vehicle, has revealed lapses in the intelligence network operated by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Special Branch of the Sindh police.

The incident proves that the Sindh police departments were unaware of terrorists' covert network, giving room to the terrorists to target the van carrying the foreigners. The security guards and Sharif Goth police, however, thwarted the terrorists' plan as a result Japanese citizens remained safe. One security guard lost his life in this incident while one terrorist was killed in retaliatory fire by the police and guards accompanying the foreigners.

Following the incident, CTD officers typically claim that attacks were executed with meticulous planning. However, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of the intelligence network. Intelligence bodies including the CTD remain unaware about terrorists’ plans of suicide attacks and also from where they procure the ammunition to use in their nefarious designs and anti-state activities.

It may be recalled that a similar suicide attack occurred on April 26, 2022, when a female suicide bomber, Shari Baloch targeted a van carrying Chinese teachers within the Karachi University premises. CTD officers attributed that attack also to meticulous planning, yet the intelligence network failed to detect the terrorists' presence in the city.

On the other side, there are reports that CTD officials are allegedly involved in the abduction of citizens and extortion. Video statements from affected individuals have emerged, alleging such actions by CTD officers, warranting an investigation into these claims and stern action against such corrupt officers who bring bad name to the entire department.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2024.