Operation in Karachi to continue till peace is restored: ISPR

KARACHI: Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa told journalists on Friday that Al-Qaeda (Indian Subcontinent) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in collusion with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were involved in major terror incidents in Karachi.

The Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)  branch of the Pakistan Army told journalists during a press briefing in Karachi that a nexus of these terrorist outfits carried out attacks between 2009 and 2015 including attacks on ISI Sukkur office, Mehran Base and the Karachi Airport.

The mastermind of the group involved in the Karachi Airport attack is Naeem Bukhari, Bajwa told journalists adding that three high value targets including Naeem Bukhari, Musanna and Sabir Khan along with 64 hardcore terrorists have been apprehended.

DG ISPR hoped, “Total peace will be restored in Karachi.” He added that the operation in Karachi will continue till complete restoration of peace. It is the commitment of Pakistan Army with the Karachiites.

He said Karachi operation was commenced in Sept 2013 at a time when criminality, targeted killing and kidnapping for ransom were at their peak.

General Asim Bajwa said over 12,000 people were arrested in more than 7,000 raids conducted by paramilitary force, out of which 6,000 people were handed over to police.