KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) announced on Wednesday the arrest of a high-profile terrorist linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who was allegedly planning an attack on a Muharram procession in Karachi.

During a press conference, DIG CTD Asif Ijaz Sheikh revealed that the terrorist, identified as Muhammad Shoaib, intended to target a procession on the 8th of Muharram in Karachi’s Orangi Town. The CTD team arrested Shoaib in Ittehad Town and confiscated a suicide jacket from him. “He had joined the TTP after arriving in Karachi,” Sheikh added.

The arrested terrorist has provided crucial information to authorities, leading to significant progress in the case, according to Sheikh. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against those involved in such activities, and facilitators of terrorists would also face justice.

Pakistan has seen an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022. It’s noteworthy that Muharram processions have been targeted by militants multiple times, including a bomb blast that killed over 40 people during the main Ashura procession on Karachi’s M.A. Jinnah Road in December 2009.

Asif Sheikh mentioned that the CTD has been on high alert due to security concerns during Muharram, with officers working diligently to prevent any incidents. He noted that all CTD officers are on a “hit list.”

These remarks were made two days after CTD DSP Ali Raza and a security guard were assassinated near Karachi’s Karimabad area. A security guard from a private security company was also injured and later died during treatment at the Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC).

Police reported finding 11 bullet shells at the scene, indicating multiple shots were fired. DSP Raza frequently visited his ancestral home in Shakeel Corporation in Karimabad.