Skip to main content

Leader of militant group arrested in Pakistan, police say

From Shaan Khan, CNN
February 23, 2013 -- Updated 1328 GMT (2128 HKT)
Militants claimed responsibility for a February 16 suicide bombing at a crowded marketplace in Quetta that killed at least 89 people.
Militants claimed responsibility for a February 16 suicide bombing at a crowded marketplace in Quetta that killed at least 89 people.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Malik Ishaq was arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province
  • Authorities say Ishaq is the leader of Lashkar-e Jhangvi
  • The group claimed responsibility for a bombing in Quetta that left 89 dead

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani authorities arrested the leader of an outlawed Sunni militant group believed to be behind a suicide bombing at a marketplace that left dozens dead, a senior police official said.

Malik Ishaq, the leader the al Qaeda-linked Lashkar-e Jhangvi, was taken into custody Friday at his home in Rahim Yar Khan in the Punjab province, police official Ishfaq Gujar said.

Police did not outline the charges against Ishaq, but said it was part of a crackdown on the group.

Ishaq's arrest followed news that the militant group claimed responsibility for a February 16 suicide bombing targeting Shiites at a crowded marketplace on the outskirts of Quetta that killed at least 89 people and wounded more than 180.

The bombing that sparked nationwide protests, and Pakistan's prime minister ordered a crackdown on the group.

Ishaq has been previously arrested in connection with alleged terror attacks, but has never been charged and convicted.

Laskhar-e Jhangvi was outlawed in Pakistan in 2001. The group was designated a terror organization by the United States in 2003, according to the Long War Journal.

ADVERTISEMENT
Part of complete coverage on
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1545 GMT (2345 HKT)
When the former teacher Ingrid Loyau-Kennett saw the bloodied man wielding a knife, she tried to engage him in a conversation to distract him.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1053 GMT (1853 HKT)
A man dressed up as a woman to expose sexual harassment in Egypt -- and says he can't imagine how women put up with the daily abuse.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1029 GMT (1829 HKT)
Fear pervades Nigerian city at heart of Islamist insurgency by M.J. Smith A female student stands in a burnt classroom at Maiduguri Experimental School, a private nursery, primary and secondary school burnt by the Islamist group Boko Haram to keep children away from school in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria May 12, 2012. The Nigerian Islamist group known as Boko Haram has grown from a northeastern-focused sect targeting local leaders and police to a many-headed monster capable of deploying suicide bombers to attack the United Nations, police headquarters and one of the country's most prominent newspapers.
The breakdown of the education system, growing youth unemployment and insecurity swelled Boko Haram, 'Funmi Olonisakin writes.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1251 GMT (2051 HKT)
"It's always the one we feared, the lone wolf that can come from nowhere and not be on our radar," said ex-London police chief John Yates.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 0613 GMT (1413 HKT)
Christiane Amanpour and Nic Robertson give their insight on the brutal murder of a man in broad daylight. What's behind the horrific attack?
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1054 GMT (1854 HKT)
In India, a child goes missing every eight minutes. What is behind this devastating statistic felt most by the parents left searching?
Learn about one woman's tireless battle against sex slavery in the Philippines, with Manny Pacquiao in her corner. Watch the full version here.
May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1043 GMT (1843 HKT)
Ai Weiwei, the controversial Chinese artist-activist, has released a music single and video inspired by his harrowing detention by the government.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1156 GMT (1956 HKT)
Meet Ugandan Ruganzu Bruno who uses recycled materials to create functional pieces of art, raising environmental awareness through his art.
May 24, 2013 -- Updated 1227 GMT (2027 HKT)
The Germans are coming, this time in the form of the first all-German Champions League football final -- and this time, London cannot wait.
May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1106 GMT (1906 HKT)
Bayern Munich's super fan Boris Becker takes a tour of London ahead of the 2013 Champions League final. What are his favorite spots?
May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1415 GMT (2215 HKT)
Illuminated houses made with bare paint
Imagine if you could paint a working light switch directly onto your wall, without any need for sockets, cables or wiring. Well, now you can.
ADVERTISEMENT