A top worker of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has been imprisoned for eight years for federal crimes in the Eastern District of Texas after being found guilty in relation to international terrorism in Karachi.
Kahkashan Haider Khan, 54, admitted guilt in the case of her false statements in connection with International terrorism in the port city, Pakistan. US District Judge Amos, L Mazzant sentenced her to 8 year in federal prison.
Acting US Attorney Jay R. Combs, Kahkashan Khan, was interviewed by FBI agents on February 23, 2023, in the case of a planned bombing attack on two gas stations in Karachi.
FBI Investigation:
According to the investigation, Kahkashan Khan is a US citizen who migrated from Karachi to the US in 90s. She started activism as a member of MQM, facilitating and funding individuals to do terrorist acts in the port city. As a key member of MQM, she paid multiple individuals to do criminal activities in Pakistan.
In January 2023, Kahkashan planned an attack to bomb two Punjabi-owned gas stations in Karachi. She facilitated an individual from Karachi to bomb gas stations. She guided him regarding the attack location and how to escape after the attack. Khan collected funds from the MQM sympathizers in the US and spent that money to execute the plan. She paid the attacker a large amount of money to purchase a firebomb and other items to do a successful attack.
Investigation in 2024:
FBI agents interviewed Khan in February 2024 at her house in the US. In an interview with FBI agents, she made false statements and denied her involvement in the attack. She said during the interview that she has nothing to do with the attack on two separate gas stations in Karachi. However, during the hearing in the court, she admitted that she made false statements during the investigation with the FBI.
Statements by Officials:
“We will not allow the United States to be a launching point for terrorist attacks abroad,” said Acting US Attorney Jay R Combs. “Vigilantly protecting the United States and its interests is inherent in everything we do. This includes aggressively prosecuting those who wrongly believe that they can find safe harbor in the United States while plotting crimes elsewhere. The FBI will aggressively investigate individuals planning or taking part in acts of violence in support of terrorism. We take these crimes seriously and will work with our international partners to hold perpetrators accountable,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
