Three terrorist gangs busted in Karachi, Hyderabad jail break bid foiled: DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI (Staff Report) - Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-General Asim Saleem Bajwa Friday said that three major terrorist gangs have been busted in Karachi operation while another bid to attack Hyderabad jail aimed to free around one hundred militants was also foiled recently.

The militants wanted to release Daniel Pearl's murderer Ahmed Sheikh Umar from Hyderabad jail. For the purpose they also rented a house in Latifabad, however the bid failed right before it was implemented.

Addressing press conference, Bajwa said that al-Qaeda's sub-continent chapter, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) were operation in Karachi with mutual cooperation, however their bond was broken Rangers started Karachi operation in September 2013.

"A terrorist named Musna, who was deputy of al-Qaeda's sub-continent faction, was arrested in a raid and many others were arrested on the basis of information provided by him," Asim Bajwa bried newsmen. Several arrested terrorists were presented before media as well.

The same groups were involved in attacks on armed forces of Pakistan, SSP Chaudhry Aslam, FIA headquarters, Lahore Police Training School and Karachi airport as well, he said. He further added that the groups operated in Karachi but the attacks were originally planned in North Waziristan.

Responding to different question, DG ISPR said that over 12,000 militants have been arrested by Rangers in Karachi and 6,000 of them were handed over to police for their trials. Rangers conducted over 7,000 targeted operations in Karachi since September 2013.

Intelligence agencies carried out 13,212 raids and arrested 94 hardcore terrorists, who carried huge bounties at their heads; he said.

On the occasion, he also urged media to play role in fight against terrorism, saying that it was a national struggle and everyone has a role to play.

He said that Pakistan army has resolved to restore peace in Karachi and it will fulfill the promises made by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif.

The whole is appreciating the success of operation Zarb-e-Azb and it would continue till complete peace in country, he added.