Karachi airport attack mastermind arrested by Sindh Police

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar announced on Monday the arrest of the mastermind behind the recent suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers near Karachi airport.

During a press conference with Inspector General Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Lanjar confirmed that a woman who facilitated the attack was also apprehended.

The suicide bombing at the airport signal resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and a Pakistani citizen. The banned BLA claimed responsibility for the attack, highlighting the growing security threats faced by foreign nationals and key infrastructure.

Lanjar explained that security forces quickly launched an investigation, focusing on the vehicle used in the attack. “With the assistance of CCTV footage, we identified the suicide bomber and two facilitators, leading to the arrest of a female accomplice,” he said.

The minister revealed that the vehicle, carrying an estimated 30 to 40 kilograms of explosives, was brought from Karachi after being transported from Hub on October 4, 2024. Investigators traced the vehicle’s purchase to a showroom in Karachi, where it was bought for Rs 7.1 million via bank transfer.

Officials identified the suicide bomber as Shah Fahad, also known as Aftab, and linked a rickshaw driver named Farhan, along with an accomplice named Muhammad Sharif, to the incident.

Lanjar praised the investigation team, announcing a reward of Rs 5 crore for the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and recommending national honors, including the Quaid-e-Azam and Pakistan Police Medals, for key officers involved.

The minister also expressed concern over the use of women in terror activities, describing it as a violation of cultural norms that value and protect women. “These groups are exploiting women for criminal purposes, which goes against our traditions of respect,” he added.