KARACHI: Security forces achieved yet another success in the ongoing targeted operation against militants and lawbreakers in Karachi when they arrested the former chief of outlawed Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) on Sunday, DawnNews reported.

Qari Abdul Hayee alias Asadullah, along with other serious crimes, was wanted for his alleged connection in the murder of an American journalist, Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and killed in 2002 in Karachi.

Earlier on Thursday, police had also arrested six Pakistani Taliban in connection with Abbas Town bombings and killed one of its activists, for his alleged involvement in murder of social worker Parveen Rehman, during an encounter .

Hayee was arrested during a targeted raid on University Road area and was taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation over recent Karachi and Quetta bombings by the paramilitary security forces.

Officials say the arrested was also involved in planning an attack on US soldiers near airport in 2002. He is also accused of sending parcel bombs to CID police officers.

Weapons were also recovered from Asadullah’s possession, who has a long history of being involved in different acts of terrorism mainly against Shias.