2kg of explosives, detonator, and arms recovered from suspect’s bag

OKARA, October 31, 2025: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested an alleged Al Qaeda operative during a successful intelligence-based operation in village 53/2-L, Joray Road, Okara City, late Wednesday night.

The suspect, identified as Junaid Ashraf (35), a resident of Anwar Colony, Tando Adam Jan, Sindh, was taken into custody after CTD teams intercepted him while attempting to flee on a motorcycle near Chungi No. 07.

Explosives and Arms Recovered

According to CTD officials, a search of the suspect’s shoulder bag led to the recovery of around 2kg of explosive material, a 30-bore pistol, prima cord, electric circuit components, detonator, battery pack, and three SIM cards.

A mobile phone and Rs35,000 in cash were also seized from the accused. The recovered items included live electronic devices believed to be part of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Bomb Disposal Unit Neutralises Devices

The CTD team immediately summoned Bomb Disposal Technician Munir Ahmed from the Civil Defence Office, Okara, who safely neutralised the explosives on site. Officials said the recovered material could have been used in a major terrorist attack.

Confession and Investigation

During preliminary interrogation, Junaid Ashraf allegedly confessed that the materials were supplied to him by an Al Qaeda associate for an upcoming operation.

A case has been registered under:

• Sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substances Act 1908
• 13(2a), 20/65 of the Arms Ordinance
• 11-N, and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997

The complaint was lodged by CTD official Waseem Akhter.

Suspect Remanded for Interrogation

On Thursday, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sahiwal granted the CTD a six-day physical remand of the accused for further investigation.

Sources said the CTD is expanding its probe to trace other members of the terror network and their financing channels.