Karachi | July 28, 2025 — CPEC security is in danger as in a major breakthrough against militancy, security forces eliminated three Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists in a late-night joint operation in Karachi’s Manghopir area on Sunday. The suspects, including one linked to the high-profile 2024 Liberty Textile attack on Chinese engineers, were killed during an intense gunfight with law enforcement agencies.

TTP Cell Targeted in Karachi Operation, CPEC security

Acting on actionable intelligence, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), in coordination with Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, launched a targeted raid in Fatima Society near Ijtema Gah Road, Manghopir. CTD Chief Raja Umar Khattab confirmed that officials had been surveilling the hideout for several days after credible leads pointed to the presence of a TTP sleeper cell, allegedly dispatched from Afghanistan.

As soon as the law enforcement teams approached the safehouse, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted over an hour. In the end, all three militants were neutralized. CTD and police officials recovered a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the site, including a fully assembled suicide jacket, three hand grenades, a Kalashnikov rifle, two pistols, and a large stock of ammunition.

Importantly, officers also discovered a diary at the scene that contained details of two to three high-value targets, potentially indicating future attacks against Chinese nationals and other strategic assets in Pakistan.

Terrorist Behind Liberty Textile Attack Killed

Among those killed was Zafran, a high-value TTP operative with a bounty of Rs20 million on his head. According to CTD officials, Zafran played a pivotal role in the 2024 Liberty Textile attack in Karachi, in which a private security guard shot and injured two Chinese engineers on November 5, 2024. Zafran was also suspected of involvement in the brazen assault on the Karachi Police Office (KPO), further highlighting his dangerous record.

The second suspect was identified as Qudratullah, while the third’s identity has not yet been confirmed. Intelligence sources believe that the eliminated terrorists were part of a five-member TTP cell; however, only three members were present at the Manghopir hideout during the operation. A manhunt has now been launched to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects.

China-Pakistan Ties Under Threat: Government Reacts Strongly

Following the 2024 Liberty Textile attack, in which Chinese nationals were targeted, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had vowed to bolster security measures for Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. He reiterated that protecting Chinese nationals remains a top priority, especially amid ongoing China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, which form the backbone of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Minister Naqvi stressed, “We will not allow such cowardly attacks to undermine our strategic partnership with China. Security protocols will be further enhanced at all CPEC security -related sites and facilities involving foreign nationals.”

The recent operation in Karachi not only disrupted a major TTP plan but also sent a strong message to anti-state elements targeting CPEC security initiatives. The government is intensifying intelligence-based operations across urban centers, particularly in Karachi, where previous attacks have taken place.

CPEC Security Remains Paramount Amid Renewed Threats

As CPEC continues to expand with infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects across Pakistan, the safety of Chinese nationals has become a focal point of national security. With repeated attempts by militant groups like the TTP to sabotage these initiatives, Pakistani security forces remain on high alert.

According to CTD sources, the terrorists were planning additional attacks, potentially targeting more Chinese workers. The seizure of the diary with coded plans and surveillance notes further underscores the militants’ intention to disrupt Pakistan’s economic development efforts, particularly the progress linked to CPEC.

Meanwhile, CTD has launched a comprehensive area search operation in Manghopir and surrounding localities to eliminate any remaining threats. The joint operation has been hailed as a significant success in the fight against terrorism and in safeguarding Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

As the investigation continues, CTD urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that could jeopardize national security or endanger foreign partnerships such as CPEC.

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