KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday sent two suspects, including the alleged mastermind of suicide bombing near the Karachi airport that killed two Chinese nationals and a Pakistani citizen, to jail on judicial custody.

The suspects Javaid and his female aide, Gul Nisa, said to be associated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), were brought to the ATC court in Clifton, by the investigation officer, seeking their extension in police custody.

The IO informed the court that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had been formed to probe the role of the two apprehended suspects, and its first meeting had already taken place.

The IO further stated that the suspects need to be interrogated, for which their remand in police custody had been requested until December 11.

However, the court rejected the IO request and sent the suspects to jail on judicial remand.

The court also directed the IO to submit an interim report at the next hearing and adjourned the proceeding until Dec 16.

Earlier, the police had registered a second FIR on the alleged confession made by Javaid, implicating a banker and a trader.

The contents of the FIR stated that during the investigation, CTD Inspector Umar Farooq interrogated Javiad, who allegedly disclosed that the facilitation and financing of the attack were carried out by the BLA’s Majeed Brigade.

He further disclosed that the funding for the attack was arranged through a private bank in Hub Chowki, Balochistan.

While using those funds, a vehicle was purchased on September 3 for Rs7.1 million from a showroom.

The initial payment was made in cash, while a bank employee, Bilal, and a trader, were facilitators in the attack.

The account used for the payment was registered under the name of Saeed Ali Traders.

However, on September 5, the vehicle was registered through the Excise and Taxation department and was later fitted with explosive materials.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024