An initial report on Thursday’s car bomb blast that killed two people and wounded six others, including SSP Farooq Awan, who oversaw crackdowns against militants and high profile terrorists in Karachi, suggests that the attack was carried out through a remote-controlled device.
The blast targeted convoy of Awan who heads a special investigative unit (SIU) in the police force. Police said the explosive material was planted in a vehicle.
On Friday, investigators said an explosives-packed pickup was used in the attack, adding that nearly 100kg explosive material was used in the blast carried out from a distance of 60 to 80 metres through a remote-controlled device. Ball bearings were also used in the blast, which officials said was practice of the TTP.
According to details, the Suzuki pickup was parked just five minutes before the passage of the vehicle of SSP Awan by a disabled person. The report said that two motorcyclists followed the SSP from his office on way to his residence till the blast.
The car blast has a similarity to the one carried out to kill Karachi police senior official Chaudhry Aslam earlier this year, the BDS said. An official said search was underway to find engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle.
Security sources said Mufti Shakirullah, terrorist of an outlawed outfit, who was released from jail on September 4, masterminded the blast.
Since 2001, Awan has been a key player in police fight against terrorist groups in the city. He arrested kidnappers and murderers of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 in Karachi. The police officer also arrested Akram Lahori, a notorious militant involved in sectarian killings.
According to reports, an intelligence agency on September 4 submitted a report to the IG Sindh police wherein it was pointed out that five police officials including Farooq Awan, Rao Anwar, Ali Raza and others were under serious threat and they should remain extra careful in their movements.
On Thursday night, a huge blast targeted the car of SSP Farooq Awan but fortunately he escaped the attack. In the wake of the attack, security of key police officials has been beefed up while these officials have been advised to remain careful.