Attack on law enforcers: CTD arrests two suspected target killers

The CTD and Rangers' officials reveal identities of alleged criminals in their custody

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested two suspects allegedly involved in target killings of law enforcers.

The arrests of the suspects, Fazal Pehlwan and Noor Hussain, were disclosed during a press conference held at Police Headquarters, Garden, on Tuesday. The suspects were arrested during a raid conducted by CTD at Manghopir Road, said an official. Weapons and hand grenades were also recovered from their possession, he added.

The suspects were earlier associated with a Pashtun political party and later joined militants groups, Din Muhammad Wazir and Mehfooz alias Bhola group, said CTD official. The suspects have been involved in cases of attacks on law enforcers, including police and Rangers officials, and various acts of targeted killings of Muttahida Qaumi Movement's (MQM) workers, he added.

Read: Attack On Dilawar Khan: CTD arrests suspected terrorist

Pehlwan and his companions were involved in the attack on a Rangers picket near Sohrab Goth in December 2011, claimed the official. Two Rangers personnel were killed and two policemen were injured during the incident, he said.

Hussain has been allegedly involved in cases of target killings of at least five policemen, he added.

In addition to the target killings, the two suspects have been claimed to be involved in street crimes too.

Revealing identities

Rangers on Tuesday released the details of three suspected target killers, who were arrested by Rangers and remained in their custody. Mubarak Ali alias Langra, has been claimed to be involved in at least a dozen cases of target killings, including an attack on a Soldier Bazaar police officer in 1990. He was also allegedly involved in extortion and riots during strikes.

Read: Counter-terrorism department undergoes name changes

Adil alias Pagla, another suspect, was involved in target killings, stated the Rangers official. His name is also on the list of alleged MQM target killers who shot policemen in the 1990s.  The list was submitted by the Rangers to MQM leader Farooq Sattar. Adil was allegedly involved in the target killings of SHO Nasirul Hassan, constable Khurram Butt and head constable Maqbool Ahmed.

The third suspect, Liaquat Hussai, is claimed to be also involved in various cases of target killings. The arrested suspects are in the custody of paramilitary force and further investigation is underway.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2015.