CTD arrests ‘two militants linked to banned outfit’

Hyderabad: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Hyderabad has claimed to have arrested two suspected militants associated with banned separatist organisation Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz/SLA, allegedly involved in multiple sabotage and terrorism-related incidents across Sindh and Punjab.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the arrests were made during an intelligence-based operation in Latifabad Unit No. 7 on the evening of June 10. The suspects were identified as Irfan Ahmed, son of Riaz Hussain, and Abdul Razaq, alias Jan Pathan alias Doctor.

The spokesperson said the suspects were wanted in a terrorism case registered on April 16, 2025, under the Explosives Act and Anti-Terrorism Act at the CTD Police Station Hyderabad. The two are accused of planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in areas near the borders of Hyderabad and Matiari districts.

The CTD also linked the suspects to previous attacks on railway infrastructure and government vehicles in Punjab, which resulted in damage to public property and disruption of services. During interrogation, both men confessed to their involvement in over 30 subversive activities, including the placement of explosive materials on railway tracks.

The CTD said the terrorists admitted that their actions were carried out under the directives of the banned outfit’s leadership, aiming to create chaos and fear. The CTD revealed that the suspects were part of a broader network and participated in coordinated attacks along with militants from the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) on the nights of April 16 and 17, 2025. One such operation targeted railway infrastructure near the 4th Padhiyun railway station.

Following their arrest, a new FIR has been registered under Section 11-EE of the Anti-Terrorism Act for being active members of a proscribed organisation and for inciting others to engage in terrorism.

CTD officials stated that Abdul Razaq alias Doctor later became disillusioned with the group and voluntarily distanced himself. He has also recorded a video message urging other militants to lay down arms and reintegrate into society.

Further investigations are underway, and the CTD says more arrests may follow based on the information gathered from the detained suspects.

On the other hand, Advocate Inderjeet Lohana claimed that Faraz Chandio and Abdul Rehman Chandio, who were allegedly abducted from Qasimabad, Hyderabad, about a month ago and had petitions filed for their recovery in the Sindh High Court Hyderabad Bench, have now been formally shown as arrested by the CTD.

The CTD has registered an FIR against both under anti-terrorism charges and presented them before the Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 in Hyderabad and the court has sent both individuals to the Central Jail on judicial remand.