Counter-terrorism officers arrested for kidnapping, torturing civilians

KARACHI: Four officers from the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Karachi were arrested on Friday on charges of kidnapping and torturing two civilians.

A spokesperson for the department informed the media that a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) took action against the four officers. The officers were stationed at the Garden Police Headquarters.

Read more: Threatening letters to SC judges: CTD Islamabad registers FIR

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Karachi confirmed the incident. He said that that the implicated officers have been suspended pending further investigation and are likely to face dismissal.

Initial investigation suggests that the arrested officers illegally detained two civilians in a personal dispute. The officers allegedly accepted a bribe of Rs400,000 from one of the citizens involved.

The case has been registered at the Tipu Sultan Police Station.

Meanwhile, the authorities have vowed to “conduct a thorough investigation” to ensure justice is “served”.

Read more: Arsenic found in powder sent to judges: CTD

The Counter Terrorism Department was formed in July 2010 as a specialised unit within the country’s police force. It primary objective is on investigating crimes and combating terrorism. The department also gathers intelligence.

The force operates in all provinces of Pakistan, including Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The department has reportedly worked with other agencies as well to tackle groups terrorist groups.

The department was formerly known as the Crime Investigation Department.