Karachi: The Intelligence and law enforcement agencies have thwarted big terrorist plot during week long sensitive intelligence operation.
The DIG CTD said that a timely and decisive operation was carried out on confirmed information from the intelligence agency and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). During the operation, more than 2,000 kilograms of highly explosive material were also recovered.
The operation prevented what officials said could have caused massive loss of life.
Addressing a press conference the additional IGP CTD Zulfiqar Larik and DIG CTD Captain (retd) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said one terrorist was initially arrested after days and nights of continuous effort.
Further interrogation led to another breakthrough that resulted in the arrest of two more terrorists late last night.
According to details the arrested suspects were identified as Jalil Ahmed alias Fareed, Niaz Qadir alias King and Hamdan Alias Fareed.
Officials said the terrorists were planning to target civilian locations in Karachi and had rented a house 35 to 40 kilometres outside the city to store and prepare explosive material.
More than 30 plastic drums filled with explosives and five metal gas cylinders were recovered during the operation.
The recovered explosives were safely transported and neutralised in the Hub area outside Karachi.
According to the authorities the explosives were urea based and had been smuggled from Afghanistan through Balochistan into Karachi.
Initial investigations revealed the network was operating from neighbouring countries with evidence linking the plot to Indian-backed proxy groups that including the BLA and BLF which reportedly use safe havens in Afghanistan.
Security officials said that the operation was conducted under strict secrecy to avoid public panic with careful assessment of booby traps and potential risks.
They said that they dismantled terror supply chains and bring all those involved to justice saying that further details would be shared as the investigation progresses.
Also read: Major terrorism bid foiled in Karachi: Female suicide bomber arrested
