Lahore, Pakistan – A suspected sharpshooter and alleged member of the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Faizan Butt, met his demise during an encounter with the Counter-Terrorism Department in Karol Ghatti on Sunday night. Together with three other terrorists, Faizan was killed after being involved in three attacks on police officials in Lahore within a span of a week.
The suspect’s modus operandi involved targeting unarmed police officials in uniform as they went about their daily routines. He meticulously followed, pursued, and then fatally shot his victims, capturing the gruesome acts on a pen camera to provide evidence to his handlers. Faizan’s heinous actions resulted in the death of a sub-inspector and a constable, as well as injuring another police constable.
Prior to his encounter with the CTD, Faizan had a history of criminal activities, including instances of displaying arms and engaging in aerial firing. Despite being previously detained and released due to lack of substantial evidence, the suspect’s frustration led to his involvement in planning a terrorist attack, resulting in his imprisonment.
During his time in prison, Faizan connected with a jailed leader of a banned sectarian outfit who facilitated his release on bail. With guidance from the leader, Faizan traveled to tribal areas for firing practice and even ventured into Afghanistan to meet with TTP leaders. It was during these meetings that he was assigned the task of killing six policemen to gain membership to the banned group.
Following Faizan’s demise, the CTD team uncovered weapons in Karol Jungle, including a pistol and two grenades. In a subsequent exchange of gunfire with accomplices of the arrested terrorists, four individuals were killed, while three others managed to escape. A search operation was launched to apprehend the fleeing terrorists, as the police continued their efforts to maintain security and order in the region.