Karachi, April 11, 2025: In a major counterterrorism success, a leading Pakistani intelligence agency has thwarted a sophisticated terror plot aimed at launching a deadly assault on the strategically critical PAF Masroor Airbase in Karachi, intelligence sources confirmed on Friday.
According to officials, the plot was orchestrated by a senior commander of the Afghanistan-based militant outfit Fitna al-Khawarij (FAK), who leads the group’s elite suicide unit. The foiled operation involved nine highly trained terrorists, including five Afghan nationals, under the direct command of the high-profile FAK leader, already wanted in multiple terrorism cases.
The plan, developed over a span of thirteen months, aimed to infiltrate the airbase through a carefully identified entry point. The terrorists intended to seize control of key sections, destroy aircraft and infrastructure, and engage security forces in a prolonged gunbattle. Their objective was to inflict maximum damage and occupy the facility for as long as possible.
Intelligence officials revealed that the attackers had recently crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan and were living in safe houses near the airbase, where they conducted detailed reconnaissance and preparations for the assault.
However, thanks to sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering, the agency preemptively launched a swift, covert, and multi-pronged operation. Acting just before the terrorists could execute the final phase of their plan, security personnel arrested all suspects from various locations across the country.
The operation not only safeguarded a vital military installation but also dealt a severe blow to FAK’s operational capabilities. Intelligence sources confirmed that the terror cell dismantled in this operation was also responsible for the November 2024 attack on Chinese engineers at Liberty Textile Mills in Karachi’s SITE area. The same commander, now in custody, is believed to have planned that attack before fleeing to Afghanistan.
Described by officials as an improvised explosive device (IED) expert, the captured militant reportedly received advanced training in Afghanistan and previously fought alongside the Afghan Taliban during their conflict with NATO and ISAF forces.
Preliminary investigations have revealed the possible involvement of hostile foreign intelligence agencies, suspected of financing and equipping terror networks like FAK to destabilize Pakistan. Authorities noted that this plot bore striking similarities to another attack foiled in October 2024, which targeted a high-profile international event in Islamabad.
Despite these persistent threats, Pakistan’s intelligence services, armed forces, and law enforcement agencies remain resolute in their mission to protect the country. Officials reiterated their commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms and ensuring national security through constant vigilance and coordinated efforts.
