CTD Deputy Inspector General Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said law enforcement agencies and the “premier intelligence agency” received credible information about the plan. After this, a joint strategy was formed with the Special Branch, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and CTD teams from Sindh and Balochistan.

Security officials were quietly deployed at several locations, with special focus on Karachi’s western areas. After days of surveillance and intelligence work, agencies traced a terrorist hideout in Raees Goth.

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During a joint raid, one terrorist was arrested while three or four suspects escaped. A search operation was launched immediately to arrest the remaining suspects.

Officials recovered a Mazda truck filled with explosive material. The seizure included 30 drums, five explosive-filled cylinders, detonators, and a total of 2,000kg of explosives. Authorities said the material was “ready to go”.

Based on information from the arrested suspect, raids were carried out at six more locations. Two additional terrorists were arrested, also found with explosive material. The total number of arrests has reached three.

During initial questioning, the suspects revealed links with the 'Bashir Zeb network' of the banned 'Balochistan Liberation Army' (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade. Officials said the entire planning of the attack was done from outside the country.

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CTD confirmed that facilitators and handlers of the network have been identified. Multiple teams are now working to arrest them. Further investigations and raids are ongoing.

Officials added that some explosives were commercial, while others were smuggled through Balochistan’s mountainous areas. More details will be shared later.