Web Desk: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said it had foiled a major terrorist plot in Karachi by arresting two members of the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), who authorities said were planning attacks on sensitive installations and law enforcement agencies.
The suspects, identified as Mujahid Baloch and Farid Baloch, also known as Zakir, were arrested during a targeted operation carried out on the basis of intelligence, the CTD said.
Authorities said both men had received training in terrorism, reconnaissance and communications at camps run by the banned BLA.
According to investigators, the suspects had been operating in Karachi under instructions from alleged BLA commanders Sajid Baloch and Bashir Zaib.
Officials alleged that the pair gathered intelligence on sensitive government facilities, strategic installations and security agencies before passing the information to the group.
The CTD also accused the suspects of attempting to establish a local terrorist network in Karachi and recruit facilitators to support future operations.
During the operation, authorities recovered about four kilograms of explosive material, detonators, Prima Cord explosive fuse and ball bearings, which investigators said could be used to manufacture improvised explosive devices.
Officials said the recovered materials were intended for use in a large-scale terrorist attack but added that the operation prevented the alleged plot from being carried out.
The CTD registered a case against the suspects under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws and said further investigations were underway.
Authorities said investigators were working to identify other members of the alleged network and determine the whereabouts of additional suspects linked to the operation.
The CTD and other security agencies have formed joint investigation teams to examine information obtained from the arrests.
Officials said intelligence gathered during the investigation could lead to further operations in Karachi and other parts of the country aimed at dismantling the group’s alleged support network.
Pakistan has designated the Baloch Liberation Army as a terrorist organisation, accusing it of carrying out attacks on security forces, infrastructure and foreign interests, particularly in Balochistan province. The group has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks in recent years.
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