Sindh Rangers apprehend high-profile terrorist in Karachi operation

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s Sindh Rangers have arrested a highly wanted terrorist during an intelligence-led operation (ILO) in the Gulistan-e-Johar area, officials confirmed on Thursday.

As per Dawn, the suspect, identified as Dost Muhammad, son of Gul Faraz Khan and a resident of Bajaur, was taken into custody following targeted intelligence efforts. Rangers officials described him as a key operative linked to serious terrorism offences.

According to a Sindh Rangers spokesperson, Dost Muhammad was implicated in a November 2020 attack in which he and other members of the proscribed Fitna al-Khawarij group a designation for elements associated with banned militant outfits – opened fire on the Assistant Commissioner of Nawagai in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. During the assault, government vehicles and machinery were set ablaze.

A case was subsequently registered against him at the Makaland Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Police Station under grave terrorism charges. Following the 2020 attack, Dost Muhammad evaded capture and went into hiding in Karachi, where intelligence indicated he was collaborating with accomplices to plan further attacks on sensitive locations in the city.

The Rangers conducted the operation based on precise intelligence, culminating in his arrest. He has since been handed over to the CTD Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for further investigation and legal proceedings. Raids are ongoing to apprehend his remaining accomplices.

The Sindh Rangers urged the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities. Information can be shared confidentially via the nearest Rangers check post, the helpline 1101, or the Rangers Madadgar WhatsApp number 0347-9001111, with officials assuring the protection of informants’ identities.

This arrest underscores the continued efforts of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to dismantle militant networks that have sought refuge in urban centres after perpetrating offences in the country’s tribal regions.