KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested a suspected terrorist, linked with an outlawed sectarian group, who was allegedly involved in targeted killings of religious scholars.
A CTD spokesperson identified the suspect as Syed Muhammad Askari Abidi and said that he was associated with the banned Sipah-i-Muhammad Pakistan.
He said one hand grenade and a Kalashnikov were recovered from his custody during an intelligence-based raid in the metropolis.
The spokesperson said in a statement that suspect Abidi was wanted in several targeted killings cases.
His name was included in the list of the most wanted terrorists maintained by the CTD. He had gone underground for a considerable period and was again organising his network in Karachi when he was arrested.
During an initial probe, the held suspect revealed his involvement in targeted killings.
“The suspect is a very dangerous terrorist and a close associate of the arrested accused Hammad Riaz Naqvi,” the CTD said.
It claimed that he was allegedly involved in many incidents in Karachi such as the murders of Mufti Nizamuddin Shamzai; Mufti Jameel and Mufti Irshad; Haroon Qasmi and his police guard Ateeq; Maulana Ahmed Madani and Maulana Abdullah; Maulana Nazeer Ahmed Taunsvi and Mufti Ateeq Rehman between 2003 to 2005.
The held suspect is a graduate and resident of Shah Faisal Colony, said the CTD statement.
Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026
