In a significant breakthrough, Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) successfully apprehended five suspected militants in Karachi on Friday, who were allegedly involved in a series of railway track bombings. This operation was conducted in close coordination with federal intelligence agencies, aiming to dismantle networks threatening the country’s critical infrastructure.
The CTD revealed that the arrests thwarted a planned attack targeting the railway system, a vital component of Pakistan’s transportation network. The detained individuals are believed to be members of the banned Baloch Republican Guard, an organization known for its militant activities in the region. The operation not only prevented potential loss of life and disruption but also struck a blow against insurgent elements operating within the city.
During the raid, law enforcement officials recovered a cache of explosives, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and various weapons from the suspects. The arrested militants have been identified as Commander Jhanwar, Ali Jan, Noor Muhammad, Jamak, and Niaz. Their capture is expected to provide valuable intelligence on the operational tactics and future plans of the group.
Sindh’s Interior Minister, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, publicly lauded the efforts of the CTD and intelligence agencies, emphasizing the importance of such actions in maintaining public safety. He described terrorists as adversaries of humanity and praised the security forces for their dedication in neutralizing these threats.
Investigations have revealed that the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple attacks on railway tracks across Sindh. Notable incidents include the bombing in Jacobabad on June 18, 2025, and a series of explosions in Shikarpur district on July 28, October 7 (which targeted the Jaffar Express), December 16, 2025, and January 26, 2026. These attacks have caused significant damage to railway infrastructure and posed serious risks to passengers and freight operations.
Further inquiries uncovered that the militants received specialized training in the Lehri area of Balochistan. There, they were instructed in handling weapons and the assembly and deployment of IEDs. The explosive materials used in the attacks were also sourced from this region, highlighting the cross-provincial nature of the militant network.
The CTD disclosed that the suspects employed family members as cover to transport explosives, attempting to avoid detection by security forces. However, through the use of advanced technical surveillance and intelligence-gathering methods, authorities were able to trace and dismantle this network. This operation underscores the growing sophistication of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.
In response to this development, additional teams have been formed in collaboration with federal agencies to pursue facilitators and other accomplices linked to the group. Authorities remain vigilant as investigations continue, with expectations that the detained militants will reveal further details about their operations and connections.
This arrest marks a crucial step in Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against terrorism, particularly efforts aimed at safeguarding the country’s transportation infrastructure from sabotage. The CTD’s proactive approach and inter-agency cooperation demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring security and stability across the nation.
