KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), in coordination with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), have arrested a suspected militant allegedly affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation in Karachi, according to the Rangers spokesperson. The security agencies also recovered weapons and explosives from the suspect, who was allegedly involved in collecting funds for a TTP-linked faction and transferring money to its leadership, the spokesperson said on Sunday. The suspect was identified as Shahzad alias Dunger and was taken into custody during a joint operation conducted in the Jacob Lines area of Jamshed Town. Suspect allegedly joined TTP-linked group in 2025 According to the Rangers, Shahzad became associated with the Mansoor group of the TTP in 2025 after allegedly being influenced by the group’s leader, Mansoor. Investigators believe that the suspect was subsequently assigned the task of generating financial resources for the organisation in Karachi. The Rangers spokesperson said Shahzad allegedly approached individuals in the Manghopir area and persuaded them to make regular monthly payments to the militant group. The collected funds were then allegedly transferred to Waziristan through Easypaisa accounts provided by Din Muhammad, an alleged associate of Mansoor who was based in Tank. During interrogation, Shahzad reportedly told investigators that the money was ultimately transferred to Mansoor and used to support the group’s militant activities. Alleged meetings with militant leader The Rangers said the suspect had travelled to Waziristan several times and held clandestine meetings with Mansoor. According to the investigation, Shahzad allegedly met Mansoor in Birmal in June 2026, where he was instructed to expand and strengthen the group’s network in Karachi. The alleged objectives included carrying out terrorist activities and raising money through extortion, the Rangers said. Following the meeting, Mansoor allegedly arranged for weapons and explosives to be delivered to Shahzad through another unidentified associate. Security officials said the recovered material was allegedly intended for use in planned attacks against sensitive installations and locations in Karachi. Raids launched to trace other suspects The Rangers said further investigations were underway and raids were being conducted at different locations to identify and arrest other members of the suspected network. The operation comes amid continued efforts by law-enforcement and security agencies to disrupt militant financing, recruitment and operational networks in Karachi. Officials have increasingly focused on financial channels used by militant organisations, as investigators seek to prevent funds from reaching groups involved in terrorism. Karachi has witnessed several major security incidents The latest arrest comes against the backdrop of a series of major terrorist and militant attacks in Karachi in recent years. On June 28, security forces foiled an attempted attack on a Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in the city. Three Rangers personnel were killed and four others were injured in the incident. According to the military’s media wing, the assault was carried out by militants described as “Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar”. The attackers reportedly detonated an explosive at the main gate of the Rangers camp before attempting to penetrate the security perimeter. Security personnel resisted the assault, killing three attackers and capturing another militant in an injured condition. The captured suspect was identified as an Afghan national. The incident was described as one of the most serious attacks targeting security personnel in Karachi in recent years. Previous attacks raised security concerns Karachi has experienced several significant security incidents over the past few years, highlighting the continuing challenges faced by law-enforcement agencies in the country’s largest city. In April 2022, a suicide bombing outside Karachi University’s Confucius Institute killed several people, including Chinese nationals. The attack was claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). In February 2023, militants launched an assault on the Karachi Police Office, leading to a prolonged security operation before the attackers were neutralised. Another major incident occurred in October 2024, when a bombing near Karachi Airport targeted a convoy and killed several people, including Chinese engineers. The incident further intensified concerns over the security of foreign nationals and critical infrastructure in the city. Against this backdrop, security agencies have continued intelligence-based operations aimed at dismantling militant networks before they can carry out attacks.
