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. The encounter took place in Karol Ghatti on Sunday night, leading to the death of Faizan and three other terrorists.
Faizan Butt was responsible for three attacks on police officials in Lahore within a week, resulting in the death of a sub-inspector and a constable, with another constable injured. Authorities revealed that Faizan had carefully targeted unarmed police officials in uniform, recorded his attacks using a pen camera, and sent the recordings to his handlers as proof.
Prior to his fatal encounter with the CTD, Faizan had a history of displaying arms and engaging in aerial firing, leading to multiple cases being registered against him in various police stations. Investigations indicated that Faizan’s frustration stemmed from a previous arrest by the CTD following an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO), although he was released due to lack of substantial evidence.
After his release, Faizan fell under the influence of a jailed leader of a banned sectarian outfit who assisted him in securing bail. This allowed Faizan to travel to the tribal areas for firearms training and subsequently meet with TTP leaders in Afghanistan, who assigned him the task of killing six policemen to secure membership in the banned group.
During the encounter in Karol Ghatti, the CTD seized weapons from the arrested terrorists, including a pistol and two grenades. However, a separate group of terrorists engaged in a firefight with the police, resulting in the deaths of four terrorists and the escape of three others. The police recovered two Kalashnikovs and a pistol from the scene, while efforts to identify the deceased terrorists and apprehend the fleeing ones were underway.
Faizan Butt’s background revealed a complex history, with his father working as a factory manager and residing in Shadbagh, while his mother lived separately in a private housing society. The involvement of Faizan in militant activities and his eventual demise during the encounter shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating terrorism in the region.