Pakistani police officer killed in Karachi by apparent Taliban car bomb

Pakistani Taliban claim responsibility for death of Chaudhry Aslam, known for arresting scores of militants in Sindh province

Police officer Aslam Chaudhry (in white) inspects the scene of a 2011 suicide car bomb attack on his home in Karachi, Pakistan. Photograph: Stringer/EPA

A senior Pakistani police officer known for arresting dozens of Taliban members has been killed by a car bomb in Karachi.

Chaudhry Aslam was targeted as he passed through a commercial area of Eisa Naghri in the southern port city, police sources said.

Aslam, renowned for his bravery, had escaped several attempts on his life in recent years.

A Pakistani Taliban spokesman, Sajjad Mohmand, claimed responsibility for the attack. In a telephone call to the Associated Press, Mohmand said they had killed Aslam for torturing their associates.

Karachi is the capital of the southern province of Sindh. Aslam played a leading role in arresting scores of militants there in recent years.