Senior member of Pakistani group fighting in Syria, Iraq arrested — Karachi police

This undated photo shows Pakistani fighters from Zainabiyoun Brigade holding the militant group's flag in Syria. (Photo courtesy: Social media)
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Updated 13 February 2020
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Senior member of Pakistani group fighting in Syria, Iraq arrested — Karachi police

  • Zainebiyoun Brigade militants are allegedly trained by Iran’s Quds Force
  • Alleged militant Zaidi has confessed to several sectarian killings between 2007 and 2018, police said

KARACHI: Police in Karachi have arrested a man suspected of being a high-profile member of the Zainebiyoun Brigade, a counterterrorism official said on Wednesday, referring to a militant group composed of Pakistani nationals fighting in Syria and Iraq.
Zainebiyoun Brigade reportedly has over 800 Pakistanis fighting in Syria. The group’s fighters are allegedly trained by Iran’s Quds Force, the military unit responsible for projecting Iran’s influence via proxies across the Middle East.
“We have arrested two militants, including one who joined Zainebiyoun and fought along the Assad forces before returning to Pakistan,” Israr Awan of the Counter Terrorism Department told Arab News. He said the arrests took place during an intelligence operation close to Karachi city’s Siemen’s Chowrangi area on Tuesday night.
The alleged Zainebiyoun-affiliated militant was identified as Syed Kamran Haider Zaidi alias Kami alias Wasti, and the other as Syed Ali Raza alias Bobby, associated with Pakistan's anti-Shia Sipah-e-Muhammad Pakistan.




The mugshots show Kamran Haider Zaidi (left) and Syed Ali Raza who were arrested in Karachi on Feb. 11, 2020. (Photo courtesy: Counter Terrorism Department)

According to Awan, Zaidi had confessed to committing several sectarian killings between 2007 and 2018.
A police press release on Wednesday said the accused belonged to Zainebiyoun and had also fought against Daesh in Syria.
“Several of Zaidi’s fellows are still fighting in Syria,” Awan said, saying he was quoting Zaidi’s confession.
The Zaynabiyoun Brigade was placed on the US Treasury’s financial blacklist in January 2019.


Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

Updated 13 December 2025
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Pakistan Airports Authority reports ‘historic’ twin-engine aircraft landing in Lahore

  • Twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and require better airport infrastructure, navigation systems to land
  • Pakistan Airports Authority says landing reflects its commitment to enhance aviation sector, strengthen infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) announced on Saturday that the New General Aviation Aerodrome achieved a significant milestone when it handled the landing of a twin-engine aircraft. 

A twin-engine aircraft has two engines that provide it redundancy and increased performance compared to single-engine counterparts. These aircraft range from small twin-engine propeller planes to large commercial jetliners. The presence of multiple engines enhances safety by allowing the aircraft to continue flying in the event of an engine failure.

However, twin-engine aircraft are usually larger, heavier and more complex than single-engine planes. They require advanced airport infrastructure such as better runways, navigation systems and air traffic coordination. 

“The New General Aviation Aerodrome, Lahore achieved another significant operational milestone today with the successful landing of a twin-engine aircraft, following the recent arrival of a single-engine aircraft,” the PAA said in a statement. 

It said the flight was also boarded by Air Vice Marshal Zeeshan Saeed, the director general of the PAA. The move reflected “strong institutional confidence” in the aerodrome’s safety standards, operational capability, and overall readiness, it added. 

“The landing was conducted with exceptional precision and professionalism, demonstrating the aerodrome’s robust operational framework, technical preparedness, and effective airside coordination in accordance with contemporary aviation requirements,” the PAA said. 

It said the landing represented a “major advancement” in Pakistan’s general aviation sector and underscores the PAA’s commitment to enhancing regional aviation capacity, strengthening infrastructure and promoting excellence in aviation development.