KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the attack on a Rangers camp in Karachi along with several facilitators, claiming to have dismantled the entire network involved in the assault.
According to officials, the arrested suspect, identified as Muhammad Bashir alias Qari Bashir, was taken into custody during a swift operation following the attack. Sindh Home Minister Zia Anjum, Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Additional IG Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and SSP Irfan Bahadur shared details of the investigation during a press briefing.
SSP Irfan Bahadur said investigators found that the attackers had entered Pakistan after travelling from Afghanistan and reached Hub City before being transported to Karachi. He alleged that Qari Bashir provided accommodation and logistical support to the attackers and was responsible for facilitating their activities in the city.
Officials said the network included Qari Bashir and 13 other facilitators. During interrogation, the arrested suspect reportedly provided details about the support network and operational arrangements. Authorities also recovered videos allegedly showing preparations for the attack.
According to investigators, one video showed a suicide attacker identified as Janaan training another militant, Umar, while another showed militants checking weapons before leaving for the operation. Officials said Qari Bashir could also be seen seeing off the attackers.
Police said the suspect claimed he was unaware of the identities of weapons suppliers, stating that leadership based in Afghanistan was directly coordinating and monitoring different groups.
Sindh officials said investigations into the attack were continuing, adding that all facilitators and key individuals allegedly involved in the incident had been arrested.
The Sindh government officials said the attack was aimed at disturbing peace in Karachi, while security agencies continued operations against militant networks across the province.
