A Texas court has sentenced 34-year-old Kahkashan Haider Khan to eight years in federal prison. The sentence was delivered by US District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on October 7, 2025. Haider pleaded guilty to making false statements related to international terrorism.
Charges and Plea
Haider, a US citizen originally from Pakistan, admitted to providing false statements during an FBI investigation. These statements concerned her alleged involvement in planning attacks in Karachi. The US Justice Department confirmed that she knowingly lied to federal authorities about the events.
Acting US Attorney Jay R. Combs emphasized that the United States will not serve as a safe haven for plotting attacks abroad. He noted that protecting US interests requires aggressively prosecuting individuals who engage in or support terrorism.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added that the bureau takes such cases seriously and works closely with international partners to hold perpetrators accountable.
Details of the Planned Attacks
Court records indicate that in January 2023, Haider recruited a co-conspirator in Pakistan to conduct fire-bombings on two gas stations in Karachi. The gas stations were owned by members of the Punjabi community. Haider allegedly discussed target selection, escape plans, and the purchase of firearms to ensure the success of the attacks.
She reportedly collected funds from supporters of the Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) in the United States and transferred the money to Pakistan to finance the operation.
On February 20, 2023, her co-conspirator in Pakistan sent her photos claiming that one gas station had been attacked. The images later proved to be from an incident in October 2022. Haider became angry, accusing her co-conspirator of deceiving the movement.
FBI Investigation and False Statements
FBI agents interviewed Haider at her home on February 23, 2024. During the interview, she repeatedly denied involvement in the attacks and falsely claimed she had not intended anyone to commit violent acts.
At her plea hearing in February 2025, Haider admitted that she had knowingly made false statements material to a federal terrorism investigation.
Significance of the Case
The case highlights the US government’s strict stance on terrorism-related offenses. Authorities continue to pursue individuals who attempt to plan, support, or lie about terrorist activities, regardless of their location or citizenship.
This prosecution also underscores the ongoing global cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent terrorist acts abroad while holding perpetrators accountable.
