Karachi Rangers Attack: Alleged Mastermind Arrested, Network Busted

Karachi (Terror Monitor) — Pakistani authorities say they have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the June 27 suicide attack on a Rangers camp in Karachi, along with members of the network accused of facilitating the assault.

Speaking at a press conference, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjr, alogside senior police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, said the attack was carried out by four militants. According to officials, three were Afghan nationals, while the fourth was from Bajaur, Pakistan, and had reportedly lived in Afghanistan for two decades.

Authorities alleged that the attackers received instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan and intended to take hostages and inflict mass casualties. During the attack, three militants were killed by security forces, while one was captured alive after being wounded.

CTD officials said the operation involved four stages: planning in Afghanistan, infiltration into Pakistan, support from a local facilitation network, and the delivery of weapons and suicide vests.

Police identified the alleged mastermind as Qari Bashir, claiming he was assigned the mission in Afghanistan before returning to Pakistan to coordinate the attack. Officials said he has been arrested and confessed to his role during interrogation.

Authorities also alleged that senior TTP figures, including Noor Wali, Sher Ali, Saeed Shah, and Basir alias Ahrar, were involved in planning the operation. These allegations have not been independently verified.

According to investigators, the attackers were selected and trained at militant camps in Afghanistan before entering Pakistan through Balochistan and eventually reaching Karachi. Police displayed what they described as confession videos from the arrested suspect and the captured attacker during the press conference.

Officials further claimed that 13 individuals were involved in facilitating the attack. They said mobile phone evidence recovered from Qari Bashir allegedly contained videos showing preparations for the assault and the militants departing for the target.

Pakistani authorities also alleged that Afghan territory continues to be used as a safe haven for TTP militants. Afghan authorities have repeatedly rejected such accusations in the past.