Two suspected militants held for sectarian killings

The Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), in collaboration with a federal intelligence agency, has arrested two alleged militants affiliated with the banned Zainabiyoun Brigade, a group suspected of involvement in recent sectarian target killings in the metropolis.

Addressing a press conference, CTD DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar, flanked by SSP Irfan Ali Bahadur and SP Malik Sikandar, confirmed that the arrests were made following 32 intelligence-based operations across the city aimed at apprehending those responsible for the spate of killings.

The suspects were identified as Israr Hussain Gilgiti and Masoom Raza, alias Amirullah, alias Imran Mota. The CTD recovered two 9mm pistols and two hand grenades from their possession. Raza is also listed in the "Red Book" of most-wanted terrorists, according to the CTD.

During interrogation, both suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the Oct 9 murder of Qari Anas Rehman near the main gate of NED University, as well as the May killing of Qari Abdul Rehman in Sherpao Colony - both incidents believed to be motivated by sectarian hatred. DIG Mahesar confirmed that the gunman and the motorcycle rider involved in the University Road attack were among those arrested.

The suspects also revealed that they had been planning more attacks in Karachi and maintained communication with handlers based in a neighbouring country. These handlers provided them with funding as well as details regarding potential targets. In response, the CTD has successfully dismantled several components of this foreign-backed terror network, including identifying local facilitators.

Cases related to terrorism and terror financing have been filed against the arrested militants.