KARACHI: Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the June 27 attack on a Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) camp in Karachi, along with individuals accused of facilitating the attackers and supplying weapons used in the assault.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Central Police Office (CPO) in Karachi by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) SSP Irfan Bahadur, and other senior CTD officials.
June 27 Attack Claimed Lives of Three Rangers Personnel
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack on the Rangers camp resulted in the martyrdom of three Pakistan Rangers personnel, while four others were injured.
Security forces responded to the attack by killing three of the four attackers, while the fourth suspect was arrested in an injured condition.
The investigation into the incident has been ongoing since the attack.
Police Identify Alleged Mastermind
Addressing the media, CTD SSP Irfan Bahadur said the alleged mastermind, identified as Muhammad Bashir, had been arrested following the incident.
According to police, Bashir allegedly coordinated logistical arrangements for the attack with the assistance of 13 facilitators.
The official also stated that investigators had arrested individuals accused of smuggling weapons and providing support to the attackers.
Police Say Attack Was Planned from Afghanistan
During the press conference, SSP Bahadur alleged that the attack was planned from Afghanistan, where instructions were issued to the attackers.
He further claimed that the weapons and explosives used in the assault had also been supplied from Afghanistan.
According to police, the four-member group—identified as Janan, Hadi, Umar, and Usman—entered Pakistan from Afghanistan before travelling from Hub Chowki to Korangi in Karachi, where they allegedly stayed before carrying out the attack.
Police said Janan allegedly acted as the suicide bomber who detonated explosives at the entrance of the Rangers camp, enabling the remaining attackers to enter the premises.
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Injured Suspect’s Alleged Confession
SSP Bahadur said the injured suspect, Usman, allegedly told investigators during interrogation that the group had received training at camps located in Afghanistan.
The CTD official also claimed investigators had recovered videos related to the planning of the attack, as well as recorded statements that police say are linked to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
Reuters and other independent sources have not independently verified these claims.
Officials Link Incident to Jamaat-ul-Ahrar
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said the four attackers included three Afghan nationals and one resident of Bajaur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stated that the alleged handlers directed the operation from Afghan territory, while Rangers personnel successfully neutralized three attackers and captured the fourth during the operation.
Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon said the apparent objective of the attack was to disrupt peace in Karachi. He added that law enforcement and intelligence agencies are continuing to investigate the case and trace all individuals allegedly involved.
Additional CTD Inspector General Zulfiqar Larak said the incident represented what authorities believe to be Jamaat-ul-Ahrar’s first major operational activity in a considerable period, alleging that the group is attempting to re-establish its presence.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said investigations remain underway to identify any remaining suspects, verify the alleged support network, and gather additional evidence related to the attack.
The statements made by police reflect the findings of the ongoing investigation. Any allegations regarding the involvement of specific individuals or groups remain subject to further investigation and legal proceedings in the relevant courts.
