Police said the prime suspect, identified as Mohammed Ehtesham, had meticulously planned the abduction and carried it out with the help of two accomplices.

According to investigators, Ehtesham conducted surveillance of the private housing society in Manghopir for three days before the kidnapping.

He also arranged a motorcycle, a fake number plate, helmets and other items used during the crime in advance.

Police said CCTV footage captured the suspect abducting the child, while technical evidence helped investigators trace those involved.

The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs5 million from Azaan’s family and used WhatsApp numbers operated from abroad to conceal their identities.

Investigators said Ehtesham attempted to deflect suspicion by joining the child’s family in the search efforts for two days after the kidnapping.

Police said the abducted child was later moved from Karachi to Gharo.

However, sustained police investigation, technical surveillance, extensive media coverage and pressure from community elders forced the suspects to abandon their plan and decide to return the child.

A police team conducted an operation near Gharo and safely recovered the toddler.

The motorcycle, fake number plate, helmets, clothing and other items allegedly used in the crime were also recovered during the operation.

Senior Superintendent of Police West Tariq Ilahi Mastoi praised the investigation team for solving the case and safely recovering the child.