ISLAMABAD: In a significant intelligence triumph that has averted whatcould have been the most catastrophic terrorist incident in Pakistan’shistory, security forces successfully dismantled a major plot targetingdensely populated civilian areas in Karachi. The operation, conducted bythe Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in collaboration with premierintelligence agencies, led to the seizure of over 2000 kilograms ofhigh-grade explosive material ready for deployment in coordinated attacks.Officials described the recovered cache as sufficient to causeunprecedented mass casualties in the bustling metropolis, raising alarmsabout external orchestration behind the scheme.
The plot came to light following sustained surveillance after credibleintelligence indicated suspicious activities within a 30 to 40-kilometerradius outside Karachi. Investigators traced a hideout in the Raees Gotharea of Baldia Town, where terrorists had meticulously prepared largequantities of explosives using a combination of commercial and smuggledmaterials. The arsenal included more than 30 plastic drums filled withexplosive compounds, five metal gas cylinders rigged as additional charges,detonators, and a Mazda mini truck intended as a vehicle-borne improvisedexplosive device. This scale of preparation underscored the intent tostrike high-density civilian zones, potentially surpassing the lethality ofprevious major attacks in the country.
Preliminary interrogations of the arrested suspects have revealedconnections to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), specificallyits Bashir Zeb faction and the notorious Majeed Brigade. Authoritiesemphasized that planning and coordination for the operation originated fromoutside Pakistan, with facilitators and handlers identified as operatingfrom foreign safe havens. While official statements carefully noted theexternal dimension without immediate naming, multiple security sources havepointed to involvement of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW),consistent with longstanding allegations of proxy sponsorship throughmilitant networks. The timely intervention has been hailed as a testamentto enhanced inter-agency coordination.
The operation unfolded in phases, beginning with the initial apprehensionof one terrorist following days of intelligence gathering. Subsequent raidsat six additional locations, guided by information from the first detainee,resulted in the arrest of two more individuals, bringing the total to threeconfirmed captures. The suspects, identified as Jaleel alias Fareed, Niazalias King, and Hamdan alias Fareed, are believed to be operatives linkeddirectly to BLA commander networks. Explosive experts safely neutralizedthe recovered material in a controlled environment outside Karachi toprevent any accidental detonation, averting immediate risks to surroundingpopulations.
This foiled plot occurs against the backdrop of a complex securitylandscape in Pakistan. According to reports from think tanks such as thePakistan Institute for Peace Studies, terrorist incidents rose byapproximately 34 percent in 2025, resulting in over 1000 fatalities acrossnearly 700 attacks. While violence remains concentrated in regions likeKhyber Pakhtunkhwa, urban centers such as Karachi have faced sporadicthreats from separatist elements. The recovery of such a massive explosivestockpile highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains, particularly throughmountainous routes in Balochistan, and underscores the evolving tactics ofmilitant groups employing vehicle-borne devices and large-scale bombings.
Officials have stressed that the success in neutralizing this threatdemonstrates the effectiveness of proactive intelligence-based operations.The CTD and supporting agencies have intensified surveillance across Sindh,with ongoing raids aimed at apprehending remaining accomplices anddismantling the broader network. Further revelations are anticipated in thecoming days as interrogations continue, potentially exposing deeper layersof external support and logistical channels. The prevention of this attackhas been described as a major achievement that saved countless civilianlives in Pakistan’s economic hub.
Security analysts note that Karachi’s strategic importance as a commercialand port city makes it a perennial target for destabilization efforts. Thethwarted plan, involving ready-to-use explosives transported and stockpiledcovertly, reflects sophisticated external backing aimed at creatingwidespread panic. By acting decisively, Pakistani forces have not onlyprotected the public but also reinforced national resolve againstforeign-sponsored terrorism. As investigations progress, authorities remainvigilant to prevent any resurgence of such threats in urban areas.
Read Top Stories
Alhamdulillah, the nation has been spared a devastating tragedy that couldhave altered the course of internal security dynamics. This incident servesas a reminder of persistent challenges and the critical need for sustainedcounterterrorism efforts across borders.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1965258/ctd-sindh-says-major-terrorist-plot-in-karachi-foiled-2000kg-of-explosive-material-seized
Tags: Pakistan, Karachi, RAW, CTD Sindh, BLA
ogimageimage-name
