Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has intensified operations against sleeper cells facilitating terrorist activity, detaining more than five suspects during targeted raids across Karachi, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.
Investigative sources said the criminal backgrounds of the detained suspects are being examined, while the mobile phone data of three arrested terrorists is also being analysed.
The sources said raids are continuing based on information obtained during interrogation, as investigators seek to determine how a large quantity of explosive material was transported to Karachi.
The sources said it is also being determined who provided the vehicle, arranged accommodation, and how long the suspects remained in the Baldia Raees Goth area.
The development follows a major intelligence-based operation on Sunday in which police and other law enforcement agencies foiled a planned attack on a shopping mall in Karachi.
According to 24NewsHD TV, security forces seized nearly 2,000 kilograms of explosives from a truck parked on an empty plot, preventing what officials described as a potentially catastrophic attack.
Security officials said the vehicle contained 60 plastic drums filled with explosive material, five gas cylinders, and more than 40 kilograms of homemade explosives.
Later, security forces cordoned off the area and carried out a thorough sweep to ensure the safety of nearby residents. Authorities said the operation dealt a significant blow to terrorist plans in the city.
Addressing a news conference in Karachi on Monday, Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Zulfiqar Larak and Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) Ghulam Azfar Mehsar said that after due hectic efforts two more terrorists were arrested.
The three arrested terrorists were later identified as Jalil Ahmad alias Farid, son of Mohammad Noor, Niaz Qadir alias King, son of Qadir Bukhsh, and Hamdan, alias Farid, son of Mohammad Ali.
AIG Zulfiqar Larak said that due to the strict monitoring and surveillance of law enforcement agencies, the terrorists' plot was thwarted.
He said that all the recovered explosive material was dismantled at a site in Hub, which is located outside Karachi. Zulfiqar Larak said that after seizing more than 2,000 kilograms of explosive material lot of valuable lives were saved.
The AIG informed that the terrorists were residing in a rented house, which was located about 35 to 40 kilometers away from Karachi.
Zulfiqar Larak said that Indian proxies BLA and BLF use safe havens in Afghanistan. There is evidence linking the fabric of the terrorist network to Bashir Zeb, BLA, Fitna al-Hindustan, and Majeed Brigade.
He said that breaking the supply chain of explosives is the top priority of the security agencies. Local facilitators helped terrorists in exchange for small financial gains, he added.
He said that the intelligence department kept the operation completely secret using human and technical sources.
The AIG said that they should adopt precautionary measures to curb the spread of panic among the people.
The AIG said that the booby-traps and potential dangers were closely examined during the raid. He said that during the operation, more than 30 plastic drums containing explosives and five metal gas cylinders were recovered.
As per the initial probe, the explosives were brought from Afghanistan to Balochistan and then to Karachi.
According to evidence, the network was being operated from neighbouring countries, he said and added that terrorist groups operating under Indian interests were behind the plan.
He revealed that terrorists used residential homes to hide and prepare explosives, and strict supervision and effective monitoring of the housing tenancy system are essential.
Strict enforcement of laws against illegal use of urea and other chemicals is a must.
Zulfiqar Larak Law enforcement and intelligence agencies are determined to eliminate terrorism. He said that all those responsible for the terrorist plot are being chased, and more details will be revealed soon.
Reporter: Miraj Akhtar