The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), working alongside an intelligence agency, apprehended a suspected target killer associated with the banned Zainabiyoun Brigade during a coordinated operation near University Road in Karachi on Friday. The individual, identified as Farhan, is accused of involvement in several sectarian targeted killings across the city.
Investigations revealed that Farhan played a role in the assassination of mosque imam Qaiser Farooq, who was fatally shot on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 2023 in Federal B Area, Block 20. The attack was reportedly carried out with an accomplice under orders from the banned group, aiming to incite sectarian violence in Karachi. Tragically, a child named Umar was also injured by gunfire during the incident. Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol from Farhan, believed to be the weapon used in the killing.
Further inquiries are ongoing, with officials expecting additional revelations. Dedicated teams have been formed to track down other suspects connected to Farhan.
In a related development, on January 8, 2026, the CTD detained four terrorists linked to the same banned organization during another operation in Karachi. Among them was Rayat Hussain, also known as Molvi, described as a highly dangerous and wanted terrorist. He was identified as the primary facilitator in the targeted killing of journalist and TV anchor Imtiaz Mir, having supplied the weapons used in that murder.
Rayat Hussain, who operated under the code name “Hamza,” was a key coordinator for the group, managing arms procurement, transportation, safe houses, and financial logistics. Despite holding a master’s degree and working as a madrassa teacher, he was deeply involved in terrorist activities. Officials also disclosed that he provided weapons to Masoom Raza, another high-profile terrorist previously arrested with the assistance of his accomplice Israr Gilgiti. Masoom Raza is accused of executing multiple targeted killings on behalf of the banned outfit.
