KARACHI: Sindh Rangers conducted targeted raids on suspected hideouts of banned organisations in different parts of Karachi Thursday, arresting a total of 145 suspects.

Targeted raids were carried out in Sohrab Goth, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, New Karachi, North Nazimabad and Orangi areas of the metropolis.

A statement issued by the paramilitary force claimed the arrested personnel included suspected hit men, terrorists working for outlawed outfits and gangsters associated with the Lyari gang war.

Weapons, including SMGs, were also recovered from many of those arrested, said the statement.

Earlier on Thursday, in an apex committee meeting in Karachi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif vowed to continue "across the board operations" at an increased tempo and hunt down terrorists who commit heinous acts.

Map showing areas where Rangers carried out targeted operations following the Safoora incident.

Military spokesman Asim Bajwa announced that the meeting had assessed ongoing operations against terrorists, and touched upon directing intelligence agencies to assist in the "exploitation of existing leads" in all operations. Weekly apex committee meetings were also announced.

The high-level huddle also decided to implement effective policing and surveillance in the "vast suburbs of Karachi", to prevent what the ISPR said were "sneaking terrorist attacks".

Bajwa said all criminals and abettors would be arrested regardless of their political, religious, sectarian, ethnic, or other affiliations.

The same sentiment was also expressed in a high-level security meeting at Karachi's Governor House on Wednesday, after a brutal buss attack in the city resulted in 45 people of the Ismaili community losing their lives.

The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.