On Friday, November 11, 2017, the Counter Terrorism Department during a news conference held in Pakistan’s financial hub of Karachi announced the arrest of Nadir alias Murshid—a key suspect linked to the deadly bombing at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalanadar in Sehwan.
Over 80 people lost their lives in Sehwan on the night of February 16, and hundreds were injured. The attack was well-planned and intended to cause maximum damage as it was carried-out inside the premises of the shrine at a time when thousands of devotees were gathered to participate in dhamaal and prayers.
Narrated below are details released by police officials of how this horrific attack was planned and executed.
Perpetrators
February 13
Ghulam Mustafa calls Nadir to meet at a place in Dera Murad Jamali in Balochistan for a mission. Perpetrators use social media app Threema which is a highly secure communication network.
February 14
Nadir arrives at the Kadhkot bus stop at 6 am and leaves for Dera Murad Jamali via public transport. He reaches the bus stop at Dera Murad Jamali at 10 am and contacts Ghulam Mustafa who sends Ijaz Bugalzai to pick him on a bike to an autaq (a place to host visitors) of Mehboob alias Takri Bungalzai.
Already waiting at the autaq are Ghulam Mustafa, Barar Brohi, Zulqarnain Bungalzai, Tanveer and Mehboob.
During the meeting, Ghulam Mustafa speaks of carrying out the suicide bombing at Sehwan Sharif. The perpetrators decide that Nadir will take Barar to Sehwan along with Safiullah Mazari who at this time was in his village. Ghulam Mustafa would reach Sehwan Sharif with the suicide jacket the next day. This plan had already been communicated to Safiullah Mazari. Nadir had been selected to lead the plan and take Barar for recce as he was familiar with the area.
At 12 pm, Nadir and Barar arrive at the bus stop to begin their journey on public transport to the village where Safiullah is. Remaining at the bus stop for some time, Nadir and Barar first travel to Kashmore by van. After reaching Kashmore, they catch a Ranjur-bound van and reach Abdullah Mor, Rojahn Mazari. From there, the two walk to Safiullah's village arriving at their destination by around 6:30-7:30 pm. As per plan, the two spend the night at the house of Safiullah.
February 15
At approximately 6 am, Nadir, Barar and Safiullah begin their journey for Sehwan Sharif. They take a chingchi rickshaw to Dera Mor, Kashmore where they arrive around 7:15-7:30 am. From here on, the three catch a coach coming from Punjab and start their journey to Sehwan. Travelling on the Indus Highway, they reach Sehwan bus stop around 1 pm and eat at a local hotel.
After lunch, they walk around the city for some time and at around 6:30 pm leave for the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar for the recce, which is led by Nadir because of his familiarity with Sehwan Sharif.
As part of the recce, they first visit the outer gate which is closed. They then enter the mazar from the main public entrance. Right before they enter, the electricity at the mazar goes off. Remaining at the mazar for some time, they next visit the dhamaal courtyard followed by a visit to Alam courtyard where they stay for about 30 minutes. During this time they take pictures and also have a conversation with a person representing a guest house.
They leave the mazar at around 7:45 pm and visit a nearby bazaar following which they arrive at where they are staying—a rented room in a guest house opposite the dhamaal courtyard.
Around 10 pm, Ghulam Mustafa calls Nadir by Threema and as per the plan asks them to reach near the Sehwan bus stop (Jahaz Chowk). They then walk to this point where Ghulam Mustafa is waiting in a white Toyota car. Zulqernain Bungalzai and Tanveer are also sitting in the car.
Nadir briefs Ghulam Mustafa and informs him that the blast will be carried out when the electricity goes off after 6:30 pm and that they should be picked up from Jahaz Chowk. Ghulam Mustafa then hands over a bag with the suicide jacket and drives away.
Nadir, Barar and Safiullah arrive back at the room where they leave the bag with the suicide jacket and go for dinner to a local hotel at about 11 pm. The three return to the room and go to sleep at around 2 am.
February 16
The three wake up by around 11:30 am and, after washing up, leave for a hotel near Sehwan bus stop at Indus Highway. They have lunch by around 1:30-2:00 pm after which they return to the room.
At around 6:30 pm, Safiullah sets the suicide jacket on Barar and as per plan all three leave the room at around 6:40 pm when the electricity goes off. Barar leaves for the mazar to carry out the attack while Nadir and Safiullah rush to Jahaz Chowk where they are to be picked up as per plan by Ghulam Mustafa.
Within a few moments, they hear a blast.
Minutes later Ghulam Mustafa reaches the bus stop to pick up Nadir and Safiullah. Zulqernain and Tanveer are also present in the car.
They drive straight to the house of Safiullah, reaching around 1 am. Ghulam Mustafa, Zulqarnain and Tanveer leave, while Nadir stays the night.
February 17
Nadir leaves for his village at around 8 am with Saifullah driving him to Abdullah Mor on a motorcycle. Nadir then travels to Kashmore by van arriving at 11 pm. He then takes a local bus at around 2 pm and reaches his village at 4 pm.
After 15 days, Ghulam Mustafa meets with Nadir at the latter's village. The two hold meetings at other times also and during this time frequently communicate through the Threema application.
These details have been taken from a report provided by the Counter Terrorism Department
Cover Image: A Pakistani mother (2L) mourns along with others over the coffin of her son, 13-year-old blast victim Zeeshan, during his funeral in the town of Sehwan on February 17, 2017 - AFP