Sindh CTD arrests suspected target killer linked to banned outfit in Karachi

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Sindh, in a joint operation with a federal intelligence agency, arrested a suspected target killer linked to the banned outfit Zainabiyoun Brigade on Friday near University Road, Karachi. According to a statement issued by the CTD, "During the operation, the team arrested target killer Muhammad Farhan Khan, son of Muhammad Ismail, and recovered a 9mm pistol along with a loaded magazine containing eight bullets. The pistol was used in the 2023 targeted killing. He has been involved in multiple sectarian and religious terrorist activities in the past." The statement further revealed that during interrogation, the arrested suspect confessed to having "killed an Imam of Masjid Abu Bakr on the day of 12 Rabiul-Awwal in Federal B Area, Block 20, Karachi, along with an accomplice." "The attack was carried out on the instructions of the organisation to promote sectarian terrorism in the city. An innocent child was also injured by gunfire during the incident," the statement read. Read: Two most wanted TTP terrorists gunned down in Tank operation: CTD According to the CTD, a case had been registered at the CTD Police Station Karachi for the illegal possession of arms. Crime No. 32/2026 had been filed under Section 23(1) of the Sindh Arms Act 2013. "The murder case of Qaiser Farooq (Imam Masjid Abu Bakr) was already registered at Samanabad Police Station under FIR No. 297/2023, under Sections 302, 324, and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code," the statement added. The CTD further stated that interrogation of the suspect was underway, with further revelations expected. Joint teams from the CTD and the civilian intelligence agency had been formed to arrest his accomplices and other target killers, with raids underway.