The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested a suspected target killer linked to the banned Sipah-e-Muhammad group during an operation in Karachi.
The suspect was identified as Syed Muhammad Askari Abidi. He appeared on the CTD’s Red Book Edition 10, which lists the department’s most-wanted suspects.
According to the CTD spokesperson, officials recovered a hand grenade and a Kalashnikov from Abidi following his arrest.
Suspect allegedly tried to rebuild network
Investigators said Abidi had remained in hiding for an extended period. During that time, he allegedly attempted to reorganize his network across Karachi.
Initial investigations have linked the suspect to several incidents involving terrorism and target killings. Moreover, investigators said he admitted involvement in various activities with other alleged terrorists.
According to the investigation, Abidi worked with associates to identify potential targets. He allegedly conducted reconnaissance before carrying out attacks.
Police records also show several target-killing cases against the suspect. Authorities registered these cases at different police stations across Karachi.
Two cases, numbered 312/2004 and 64/2005, were registered at Jamshed Quarter Police Station. Meanwhile, Ferozeabad Police Station also registered Case No. 64/2005 against him.
Taimuriya Police Station registered another case, numbered 259/2005, against the accused.
New cases registered under anti-terror laws
The CTD’s Karachi operation has also resulted in two additional cases against Abidi.
Authorities registered Case No. 77/2026 under the Explosives Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act. Furthermore, Case No. 78/2026 was registered under the Sindh Arms Act.
The authorities have started further interrogation and a joint investigation into the suspect’s activities. Investigators are now working to establish the wider scope of his alleged involvement.
At the same time, CTD teams are conducting operations to locate other members of the suspected network.
The Federal Civil Intelligence Agency is also assisting the CTD in efforts to trace and arrest the suspect’s alleged accomplices and facilitators.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the network’s activities and identify individuals allegedly connected to the arrested suspect.
