Four terrorists killed, two CTD officials injured in Karachi encounter

Four suspected terrorists were killed and two officials injured during an intelligence-based operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi’s Shah Latif Town, Malir, Aaj News reported on Tuesday.

According to officials, the CTD cordoned off a residence following reports of terrorist activity, triggering a heavy exchange of fire. The deceased have been identified as Jalil, Niaz, and Hamdan, while the identity of the fourth suspect is being verified.

Following the shootout, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) recovered a significant cache of explosives, including IEDs being prepared in drums, detonators, and circuits. All hazardous materials were neutralised on-site. Investigations are ongoing to determine the group’s network and intended targets.

READ MORE: At least two killed, 17 injured in blast near Bannu police station

Authorities stated that security has been further tightened in the area following the operation, and evidence is being collected to proceed with legal action.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has commended the Karachi Police for their successful operation against a terrorist network, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

The interior minister praised the professional expertise and bravery of the police force.

“Karachi Police achieved a major success by bringing four terrorists to an exemplary end,” stated Naqvi.

He added, “We are proud of the police officers and personnel who participated in the operation.”

Naqvi paid tribute to all forces, including the police, for their successful operations against terrorists and their facilitators. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the two officials injured during the operation.

Pakistan saw a significant surge in terrorist attacks in 2025, with the number of attacks rising by 34 percent compared to the previous year.

According to the Pakistan Security Report 2025 released by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), the country witnessed 699 terrorist attacks, resulting in at least 1,034 deaths and 1,366 injuries.

READ MORE: Afghan border closure brings down terrorist violence by almost 17%: report

It said that terrorism-related fatalities increased by 21 percent, highlighting a continuing upward trend in militancy since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

Of the 699 terrorist attacks, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed 413 attacks, Gilgit-Baltistan witnessed 254 attacks, Sindh province recorded 21 attacks, Punjab witnessed 11, and three attacks were carried out in Gilgit-Baltistan in the previous year, according to the report.

Meanwhile, a significant drop in cross-border terrorist attacks and violence-linked fatalities has been recorded in Pakistan since it closed down the border with Afghanistan, a Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) annual security report revealed.

“Terrorist attacks went down by almost 17% in December, preceded by 9% decline in November. Terrorist violence-linked fatalities among civilians and security officials also fell in the last quarter of 2025, by nearly 4% and 19% each in November and December, respectively, as per the data collected by the CRSS.

The Pak-Afghan border was shut down for all kinds of trade and other activities on October 11, following the cross-border attacks by terrorists and Afghan forces which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The border closure also brought trade activities and pedestrian movement to a standstill. Islamabad says closures curb militant movement; Kabul denies providing safe haven to the militants.