In new developments following the recent suicide attack on a Chinese convoy near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, authorities have traced the movements of the suspected terrorist, Shah Fahad. CCTV footage and other surveillance data have shed light on Fahad’s activities in the days leading up to the attack, which took place on October 6.
Terrorist Timeline: Shah Fahad’s Movements in Karachi
October 4:
Shah Fahad entered Karachi around 5:00 p.m. via Hub Toll Plaza, accompanied by a female associate.
By 10:33 p.m., he checked into a hotel in the Saddar area.
October 5:
Left the hotel at 10:57 a.m., reportedly visiting prominent locations such as Empress Market, Rainbow Center, and DHA Phase 1.
Arrived in the vicinity of the airport by 5:15 p.m. and returned to his hotel at 6:29 p.m.
October 6 (Day of the Attack):
Early that day, Fahad was seen at the hotel counter and left around 12:19 p.m.
Traveled to various spots, including the State Guest House and Bagh-e-Jinnah.
By 4:20 p.m., he crossed Fayyaz Center on Shahra-e-Faisal, eventually stopping at a hotel near Char Minar in Bahadurabad.
At 9:30 p.m., he and two accomplices headed toward the airport. One accomplice entered the airport on foot, while another positioned himself at a high point to monitor the convoy.
As the Chinese convoy approached, Fahad received a signal and detonated the suicide bomb.
Following the attack, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced the capture of the attack’s mastermind and a female accomplice who facilitated the planning and execution. During a press conference, Lanjar explained that the vehicle used in the attack, loaded with 30-40 kg of explosives, was traced back to a Karachi showroom where it was purchased for Rs7.1 million. The explosives-laden vehicle was brought from Karachi and transported from Hub on October 4.
The incident, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and one Pakistani citizen, has drawn condemnation and demands for swift action from Chinese authorities.