KARACHI, Pakistan – In a major counter-terrorism operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Karachi’s Manghopir area, three militants associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—including the suicide bomber involved in a previous attack on Chinese nationals—were killed in an exchange of fire. The operation marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism, particularly against those targeting foreign nationals and critical development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Operation Details: CTD Confrontation in Manghopir
According to officials, the CTD launched a targeted raid in the Manghopir area of Karachi, acting on credible intelligence about the presence of high-profile militants. Upon entering the premises, the CTD team came under immediate fire from the suspects. A fierce gunbattle ensued, during which three Khawarij—a term often used by security agencies and religious scholars to describe extremist elements—were neutralized.
Speaking to media at Karachi’s Civil Hospital, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) CTD Raja Umar Khattab confirmed that the operation was conducted with the cooperation of intelligence agencies. The neutralized terrorists were identified as members of the banned TTP, and one of them was the suicide bomber involved in an attack on Chinese engineers in Pakistan.
Seized Materials and High-Value Target Eliminated
During the search operation following the encounter, the CTD recovered a substantial cache of weapons and explosives from the site. Among the recovered items were:
- Hand grenades
- Suicide jackets
- A detailed diary containing planned future targets
The slain militant identified as Saffron, carried a bounty of Rs. 20 million on his head. He was regarded as a high-ranking operative within the TTP, involved in several attacks targeting both Pakistani law enforcement agencies and Chinese nationals working on infrastructure projects across Pakistan.
DSP Raja Umar Khattab emphasized that this successful operation has dealt a blow to the operational capabilities of the TTP in urban centers like Karachi.
“The elimination of this high-profile terrorist is a significant achievement in our continued war against terrorism. It sends a clear message that no terrorist will be spared,” said Khattab.
Background: Attack on Chinese Nationals in Pakistan
The slain suicide bomber was reportedly involved in a high-profile attack on Chinese nationals in Pakistan in 2023. The incident drew widespread condemnation and strained diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, two long-time strategic allies.
In the aftermath of the attack, DIG South Syed Asad Raza stated that the initial cause appeared to be a dispute between a local security guard and Chinese engineers, although further investigation was required. Authorities arrested several private security staff members for interrogation and launched a search for the primary suspect.
The house of the security guard allegedly involved in the shooting was traced, and intelligence teams conducted interviews with neighbors and local sources to build a clearer picture of the incident.
Wave of Terrorism Following TTP Ceasefire Breakdown
Pakistan has witnessed a significant surge in terrorist attacks since November 2022, when the TTP unilaterally ended its ceasefire with the Pakistani government. While the group had initially shown interest in peace talks, hostilities resumed with a string of violent attacks targeting police, military personnel, and government installations.
Regions Most Affected
The brunt of this resurgence has been felt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces that have historically been vulnerable to militancy due to porous borders and limited state control in remote areas. However, the recent operation in Karachi underscores the fact that urban centers are also at risk, with militants establishing sleeper cells or safehouses to evade detection.
Targeting of Chinese Nationals: A Growing Security Challenge
In recent years, a worrying trend has emerged: an increasing number of attacks on Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, particularly those involved in CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) projects. These incidents have raised serious concerns in Beijing, as China remains a key stakeholder in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
NACTA Report Highlights Dangers
A 2024 report by the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) revealed alarming statistics:
- 20 Chinese nationals killed
- 34 injured
- Multiple attacks since 2021
Notable Attacks on Chinese Nationals
- October 2024: A suicide bombing near Karachi Airport, claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), killed two Chinese citizens and injured ten others.
- March 2024: A convoy of Chinese engineers was attacked in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing five Chinese nationals. The attack was allegedly carried out by either ISIS-Khorasan or TTP-affiliated groups.
- April 2022: A suicide bomber struck a van outside the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi, killing three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani driver.
These attacks not only underscore the increasing risk for Chinese citizens in Pakistan but also threaten the future of multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments that are crucial to Pakistan’s economic revival.
Diplomatic Fallout: China’s Strong Reaction
In response to the attacks, Chinese officials have repeatedly urged Pakistan to ensure the safety of its citizens and projects. In October 2024, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong made a rare and strongly worded public statement, describing the incidents as:
“Unacceptable and alarming. We expect Pakistan to take immediate and strict action against those who threaten the lives of our people and the future of CPEC.”
The statement marked a diplomatic turning point in the usually cordial relations between Islamabad and Beijing. Ambassador Zedong called for concrete and verifiable security guarantees from the Pakistani government.
Islamabad’s Response and Tensions in Bilateral Relations
Former Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch responded by expressing surprise and concern over the tone of the Chinese ambassador’s remarks. She pointed out that such strong statements were uncharacteristic of the close diplomatic ties that the two countries have enjoyed for decades.
“While we recognize the seriousness of the situation, we must handle such matters with mutual respect and behind closed doors. Pakistan has always valued its strategic relationship with China,” she said.
Despite the tension, Pakistan has taken several steps to improve the safety of Chinese nationals, including:
- Deploying special security forces dedicated to CPEC projects
- Increasing surveillance and intelligence operations
- Enhancing coordination between provincial and federal security agencies
TTP and BLA: Persistent Threats to Chinese Investments
While the TTP remains the primary threat in northern and western Pakistan, Baloch separatist groups like the BLA have increasingly turned their focus to Chinese projects in Balochistan, which they perceive as exploitative and a threat to local sovereignty.
These groups have justified their attacks on Chinese nationals as part of a broader resistance against perceived state-backed colonization of Baloch resources. However, the global community largely condemns such acts as terrorism.
Conclusion: Continued Vigilance Required to Safeguard Chinese Nationals and Pakistan’s Stability
The successful CTD operation in Karachi serves as both a triumph for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism agencies and a stark reminder of ongoing threats. The elimination of the suicide bomber involved in the attack on Chinese nationals represents a tactical victory, but it also illustrates the persistent dangers posed by militant groups such as the TTP and BLA.
As the country navigates increasing internal and external security challenges, safeguarding Chinese citizens and ensuring the continuity of strategic projects like CPEC must remain a top priority. With economic revival closely tied to foreign investment, Pakistan’s global credibility hinges on its ability to protect foreign partners and restore public confidence.
