🔥 Karachi CTD Operation Takes Down TTP Mastermind Behind Chinese Engineers Attack
In a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s security forces, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) successfully neutralized three dangerous terrorists — including the main architect behind the deadly November 2024 attack on Chinese engineers — during a strategic operation in Karachi’s Manghopir area. This decisive action signals a strong message against terrorism, especially targeting foreign nationals working on key projects in Pakistan.
🇵🇰 A Deadly Plot Finally Foiled
On Monday, July 28, 2025, Karachi’s law enforcement agencies, in a joint operation involving CTD and intelligence units, conducted a targeted raid in Manghopir. The outcome was a significant blow to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the man believed to have orchestrated the attack on Chinese engineers was eliminated alongside two accomplices.
The lead terrorist was identified as Zafran, a known operative with links to multiple subversive activities aimed at disrupting Pakistan’s diplomatic ties and internal stability. His death is being hailed as a success not only by security circles but also by policymakers who’ve been under pressure to curb attacks on Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
🏗️ The November 2024 Chinese Engineers Attack: A Recap
The incident that sparked an international outcry took place on November 5, 2024, at a textile mill in Karachi’s SITE area. Two Chinese nationals, employed at the facility, were shot and critically wounded by a private security guard. Initial reports suggested a personal altercation, but deeper investigations quickly revealed a more sinister plot.
Despite the attacker fleeing the scene, law enforcement agencies traced his background and suspected a coordinated attempt to target Chinese nationals, part of a broader trend of terrorist outfits trying to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and related investments.
🕵️♂️ Investigative Trail That Led to the Operation
Immediately after the 2024 attack, the Foreign Office of Pakistan emphasized its commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals. An FIR was lodged, and several individuals — including security firm personnel — were detained for interrogation. With pressure mounting from Beijing, Pakistani agencies intensified surveillance on suspected networks tied to TTP cells in Sindh.
According to Additional IG CTD Azad Khan, the breakthrough came from intel that pinpointed a safe house in Manghopir being used by high-profile terrorists. A swift and precise operation followed, ensuring minimal collateral damage and complete elimination of the threat.
🧠 Who Was Zafran? Inside the Mind of a Militant Mastermind
Zafran, believed to be in his early 30s, was no ordinary foot soldier. Described by officials as a “planner and facilitator,” he coordinated several terror attacks across urban centers, often using sleeper cells and seemingly innocuous contacts to carry out targeted violence. His key role in mobilizing the November attack on Chinese engineers confirmed his place on the CTD’s radar.
His presence in Karachi, far from traditional TTP strongholds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, showcases how the group is expanding its urban footprint.
💥 Karachi: A New Frontline in the War on Terror?
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest metropolis and economic engine, has seen a worrying rise in terrorist activity over recent years. From ethnic violence to sectarian conflicts and now transnationally motivated attacks, the city remains a critical focus for security agencies.
What’s more alarming is the strategic targeting of Chinese nationals — a pattern that has been growing since 2021. Data from the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) reveals a staggering 20 Chinese citizens killed and 34 injured in attacks across Pakistan over the last four years.
🔍 Other High-Profile Attacks on Chinese Nationals
March 2024 (Besham, KP): Five Chinese engineers were killed in a roadside bomb attack, suspected to be orchestrated by either TTP or Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).
October 2024 (Karachi Airport): A suicide bombing claimed by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed two Chinese engineers and wounded ten others.
April 2022 (University of Karachi): A female suicide bomber killed three Chinese nationals and their local driver outside the Confucius Institute.
Each of these incidents increased pressure on Islamabad to boost protective measures for foreign workers.
🧭 The Geo-Political Domino Effect
Every attack on Chinese nationals sends shockwaves through diplomatic channels. In October 2024, China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the security situation, calling the continued targeting of Chinese citizens “unacceptable.”
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