CTD Arrests Four Suspected BLA and SRA Terrorists in Karachi Operations

Karachi security agencies have arrested four suspected militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) during separate operations in the city, according to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

The operations were conducted jointly by the CTD and a federal intelligence agency near a public park close to Block 4 on Abul Hassan Isphani Road and near the Korangi Causeway stream, the CTD spokesperson said.

Three suspects identified as Ghulam Yaseen, Aftab Ahmed and Shoaib were arrested in connection with the BLA, while another individual allegedly associated with the SRA was taken into custody during the second operation. Security personnel recovered four hand grenades and a .30-bore pistol during the raids, according to the department.

The CTD said the three suspects linked to the BLA were allegedly involved in targeted killings in Balochistan and attacks on mobile vehicles belonging to the Frontier Corps (FC) and Customs authorities. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and the suspects’ legal responsibility will be determined through the judicial process.

Investigators also found indications that the arrested individuals were allegedly planning attacks on sensitive locations across Karachi, including offices of law enforcement agencies. The department has not provided further publicly available details about the specific sites reportedly being targeted or the timeline of the alleged plans.

The arrests come amid continuing security efforts to prevent militant violence and protect public spaces and government installations in Pakistan’s largest city. Karachi’s size, commercial importance and critical infrastructure make intelligence-led operations a significant part of the city’s counterterrorism response.

Following the operations, the CTD registered five cases against the arrested suspects and launched further investigations. Officials are also conducting raids to locate other suspected members, facilitators and individuals believed to have provided financial support to the groups.

The investigation is expected to focus on the suspects’ alleged roles, possible links with other individuals and the origin of the weapons recovered during the operations. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the fourth suspect’s identity or the individual allegations against him.
The CTD has not announced any additional arrests in connection with the cases so far.