Law enforcement agencies in Karachi have thwarted a major terrorist plot through a timely operation, recovering a large quantity of explosives and arresting three suspected terrorists.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Additional Inspector General of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Zulfiqar Lark and Deputy Inspector General Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said a raid was conducted in Rais Goth on Karachi’s outskirts following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the area.

During the operation, a significant amount of explosive material was recovered.

According to Additional IG Zulfiqar Lark, the suspects had prepared around 2,000 kilograms of explosives which were stored in plastic drums.

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while others initially managed to escape. However, based on information provided by the arrested suspect, two more suspects were later taken into custody.

The arrested individuals were identified as Jalil Ahmed alias Fareed, son of Muhammad Noor; Niaz Qadir alias King, son of Qadir Bakhsh; and Hamdan alias Fareed, son of Muhammad Ali.

Officials said the suspects are affiliated with Indian terror proxy Fitna Al Hindustan, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest additional members of the network.

Providing further details, DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said the suspects were planning attacks on civilian targets in Karachi and had rented a house approximately 40 kilometres outside the city.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosive material was transported from Afghanistan to Balochistan and then to Karachi.

Authorities said the recovered explosives were safely neutralised in the Hub area outside the city.

According to the AIG CTD, evidence indicates that the terrorist network was being operated from India, with links to Bashir Zeb, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Fitna Al Hindustan, and the Majeed Brigade.

The two officials also revealed that some local facilitators assist terrorists in exchange for small financial gains, providing residential houses for hiding and preparing explosives.

They added that all those involved in the foiled terror plot are being pursued, and further details will be shared soon.