Ongoing mission: CTD police detain seven suspects during separate raids

Those arrested include alleged target killers and political party workers

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the police apprehended four suspects in separate raids while three political workers were arrested during an overnight targeted operation in Lines Area on Wednesday.

Four suspects, identified as Shoaib Hassan alias Shoaib Jamal, Makhdom Ahmed Khan, Shahid Khan alias Preedy and Pervez Saghir, were detained by CTD during separate raids in parts of the metropolis. The CTD officials said that the alleged criminals were wanted by the police in various cases of crimes including target killings, attacks on police mobiles and robberies.

The accused were allegedly involved in nearly half a dozen cases of target killings, including the murder of a worker belonging to Mohajir Qaumi Movement - Haqiqi (MQM-H). The group operated in various areas of the city, including Korangi, Zaman Town and Landhi. The CTD police also seized four Kalashnikovs and two pistols from their possession. Cases were registered against them and further investigation was underway.

Separately, three workers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were held during an overnight targeted raid at Sector 2 in Lines Area. The raid was reportedly conducted by Rangers surrounding the unit office of the MQM and no one was allowed to go in or out during the operation. The suspects were shifted to an undisclosed location for further questioning.

There was no confirmation if any weapons were seized during the raid. However, the Rangers spokesperson denied that any such raid was conducted.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2015.