KARACHI: Sindh Police have announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind and several suspected facilitators in connection with the June 27 attack on a Rangers camp in Karachi, saying the investigation has uncovered what authorities describe as a wider cross-border facilitation network.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Central Police Office (CPO) Karachi by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon/Javed Alam Odho (as identified by the officials at the briefing), and SSP Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Irfan Bahadur.
According to SSP CTD Irfan Bahadur, investigators have arrested the alleged mastermind, identified as Muhammad (Qari) Bashir, along with several suspected facilitators. He also said that individuals accused of supplying weapons to the attackers through smuggling networks had been taken into custody.
Police alleged that the attack was planned in Afghanistan and that the suspected attackers received training, weapons, and explosives outside Pakistan before entering the country.
Officials stated that one attacker, identified as Janan, allegedly detonated explosives at the entrance of the Rangers camp, while three other assailants attempted to enter the premises.
According to the police, one of the alleged attackers was from Bajaur, while the remaining three were Afghan nationals. Investigators claim all four had received training and logistical support before the attack.
The CTD further alleged that the attackers were directed by handlers operating from Afghan territory. Investigators also claimed to have recovered videos purportedly showing some of the arrested facilitators receiving training and recording statements at what police described as militant training camps.
Police said that one suspect, Usman, who was arrested while injured, allegedly admitted during interrogation to having received training at multiple camps. According to investigators, the four alleged attackers traveled from Afghanistan to Karachi and were transported from Hub to Korangi, where they stayed at a house before carrying out the attack.
Officials also claimed that some of the arrested facilitators had links with individuals based in India. These allegations have been made by the investigating authorities and have not been independently verified.
The investigation into the June 27 Rangers camp attack remains ongoing, and authorities say efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend any remaining suspects believed to have been involved in planning or facilitating the assault.
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