A U.S. court has sentenced Pakistani-American woman and MQM member Kahkashan Haider Khan to 8 years (96 months) in prison for giving false statements to the FBI. U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazant issued the ruling on October 7, 2023.
Details of the Crime: (MQM’s Kahkashan Khan ) The 54-year-old Kahkashan Khan confessed to lying about her involvement in planning arson attacks on two gas stations in Karachi in 2023. Initially, she denied any connection to the plot when questioned by the FBI agents, but later admitted that she had been involved in raising funds and facilitating violent operations linked to terrorism.
Terrorist Plot: Kahkashan Khan made false statements during the investigation, despite actively raising money for terrorist activities and supporting such operations. U.S. Attorney J.R. Combs emphasized that America will not allow anyone to use its soil to facilitate terrorism abroad. FBI Special Agent R. Joseph Rothrock also stated that the agency will thoroughly investigate individuals planning or participating in terrorist acts.
Arson Attack in Karachi: Reports indicate that Kahkashan Khan recruited an individual to carry out arson attacks on two gas stations in Karachi owned by Punjabis. She coordinated the selection of targets, flammable materials, and escape routes with her accomplice, and arranged to purchase firearms for the attack. After the attack, Kahkashan Khan expressed joy and promised a “generous reward” to her accomplice, though it was later revealed that the photos related to the attack were from 2022.
FBI Confession: In February 2024, the FBI questioned Kahkashan Khan at her home regarding the incident. Initially, she lied and denied her involvement, but later confessed to deliberately providing false statements that were critical to the investigation of terrorism-related activities.
Counter-Terrorism Department Investigations: Kahkashan Khan had been under scrutiny in Pakistan as well. In 2021, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Rangers accused her of planning sectarian violence in Karachi. She was also alleged to have collaborated with India’s intelligence agency, RAW, and anti-Sindhi and Baloch groups to establish hitman groups to target police and political and religious leaders in Karachi.
Revealing Video: The CTD presented a video showing a woman (identified as Kahkashan Khan) giving instructions to a hitman and promising a reward for a successful kill. In the video, she outlines the target’s identity, confirms the murder, and discusses payment methods and transport after the hit.
Kahkashan Khan denied these allegations, but the investigation revealed her close ties to MQM founder Altaf Hussain. She had allegedly played a central role in recruiting hitmen and coordinating terror activities.
This case underscores the growing concern over individuals involved in international terrorism and the serious impact of such activities on U.S.-Pakistan relations.
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