Police have named six suspected militants, including banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar commander Umar Qari, as the alleged masterminds behind the June 27 attack on a Rangers facility in Karachi. The case, registered by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), includes terrorism, murder, attempted murder, and explosives charges. The investigation aims to identify those responsible for one of the deadliest recent attacks on security personnel.
According to the first information report (FIR), a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance of the Rangers Transport Company workshop in Gulistan-e-Jauhar at about 8:10pm on June 27. The blast killed three Rangers personnel on duty. Shortly afterwards, three armed attackers allegedly entered the premises, opened indiscriminate fire, and hurled hand grenades. Security forces killed two attackers during the operation and captured another injured suspect.
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Police identified the arrested suspect as Usman Ali, who allegedly disclosed the identities of his accomplices as Umar, Abdul Hadi, and suicide bomber Janan. Authorities said weapons, hand grenades, and ammunition were recovered from the attackers. The operation also damaged government property and vehicles, while four Rangers personnel sustained injuries and were shifted to hospital for treatment.
Investigators said the arrested suspect claimed he travelled from Jalalabad, Afghanistan, with three accomplices one week before the attack. He alleged the group stayed at a temporary residence in Korangi with assistance from local facilitators before conducting reconnaissance of the Rangers workshop. Police further claimed the suspects were sent to Pakistan under a planned operation directed by commanders of the banned Jamaat-ul-Ahrar.
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According to the investigation, commanders Umar Qari, Maulvi Ahrar, Abdul Wajid, Mullah Tahir Afghani, Mullah Abdul Manan, and Umar Afridi allegedly planned or facilitated the attack and provided training in Afghanistan. These allegations are part of the police investigation and have not been independently verified. Authorities said four additional cases linked to the attack have also been registered by police.