CTD arrests target killer involved in sectarian killings in Karachi

KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh, in a joint operation with a federal intelligence agency, on Friday arrested a suspected target killer affiliated with the banned Zainabiyoun Brigade near University Road in Karachi.

According to an official statement, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Farhan Khan, was taken into custody during the operation. A 9mm pistol along with a loaded magazine containing eight rounds was recovered from his possession. Authorities said the weapon had been used in a targeted killing in 2023.

The CTD stated that the accused had been involved in multiple sectarian and religiously motivated terrorist activities. During initial interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the killing of Qaiser Farooq, the imam of Masjid Abu Bakr, in Federal B Area on 12 Rabiul-Awwal, carried out with an accomplice.

Investigators said the attack was executed on the instructions of the militant organisation to incite sectarian violence in the city. An innocent child was also injured during the firing.

A case has been registered against the suspect at the CTD Police Station Karachi for illegal possession of weapons under Section 23(1) of the Sindh Arms Act, 2013. Meanwhile, the murder case related to the killing of the imam had already been registered at Samanabad Police Station under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The CTD said further interrogation is ongoing and more disclosures are expected. Joint teams have also been formed to apprehend the suspect’s accomplices and other operatives, with raids currently underway across the city.