KARACHI: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has found no criminal record for Asif Merchant, a Pakistani man recently charged by US authorities for allegedly plotting to assassinate US politicians in connection with Iran.
Asif, a resident of Karachi, has been found free of any criminal activities in Pakistan and is an active filer with the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR). The 46-year-old was arrested in the US on July 12, 2024, for allegedly trying to recruit a hitman, who was actually an undercover FBI agent, to kill a politician or government official. The alleged plot was reportedly in retaliation for the US killing of Iran’s top commander Qasem Soleimani in 2020.
Sources revealed that Asif has traveled to Iran multiple times between 2017 and 2024 using three passports. His trips include stays in Iran from November 2-14, 2017, and from September 17 to October 15, 2023. He returned to Pakistan on December 17, 2023, after flying to the US in November. This year, Asif traveled from Karachi to Iran in January and April before heading to the US via Turkey on April 11, 2024.
Authorities have also found records of four mobile phone numbers, including an international one, and details of three vehicles and a motorcycle used by Asif in Karachi.
Asif holds a Master’s degree in Management Systems and began his banking career in 2002. He was dismissed for alleged corruption but worked as a branch manager in a Karachi bank in 2010, managing a large portfolio of clients.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan is in contact with US authorities and is awaiting further details about the charges against Asif. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch confirmed that they are monitoring the ongoing investigation.