The Rangers and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a highly wanted militant affiliated with the banned Fitna Al Hindustan group during a joint intelligence-based operation in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi.

According to a Rangers spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Asim, son of Asghar Ali Kalmaty Baloch, was apprehended from Mano Goth, Block 12 of Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials were also recovered from his possession.

Officials said the arrested militant had joined the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in 2023 on the persuasion of its commanders Tariq alias Sufi and Salman Kalmaty Baloch.

During initial interrogation, the suspect revealed that he had moved from Karachi to Panwan, Jiwani, in Balochistan in 2016.

After joining the terror outfit, he took part in facilitating activities, including the distribution of weapons, ammunition, and supplies at the direction of commander Tariq alias Sufi.

Following the killing of Tariq by security forces in 2025, the suspect reportedly went into hiding in the Ramadan area of Iran.

According to sources, the suspect and his associate Salman Baloch had pledged to avenge their commander’s death.

Authorities said, on the instructions of commander Rehan Baloch, the militant was being sent to a training camp of the group’s Majeed Brigade in a neighbouring country for militant training after Eid.

The suspect was said to be highly active on social media platforms linked to militant groups, where he allegedly attempted to incite youth against state institutions and security forces.

Law enforcement agencies said raids are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.

The arrested suspect, along with the recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives, has been handed over to the CTD police for legal action.