LAHORE: The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said that it conducted various intelligence-based operations (IBOs) and arrested 17 suspects associated with defunct organizations. These operations took place in different parts of the Punjab province, and during these IBOs, 134 suspects were interrogated.
Among the arrested suspects, two were linked to the TTP (Ghazi Force). They were apprehended in Attock for planning to target Chinese nationals. In Dera Ghazi Khan, three suspected TTP terrorists were arrested, who were reportedly planning to attack worship places. Additionally, a terrorist associated with Jamaatul Ahrar was apprehended in Lahore for planning to target a worship place.
Moreover, three other suspects were detained in Gujranwala and Sargodha for possessing banned literature. Furthermore, eight suspects were found to be sharing “hate material” targeting other sects on social media.
Out of the 17 arrested terrorists, six were affiliated with the TTP, six with the Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), two with Daesh, and three with other organizations. A total of 14 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against the arrested suspects. The FIRs were registered in various police stations located in different cities.
During the operations, law enforcement seized a cache of weapons, including hand grenades, detonators, explosives, pistols, and magazines associated with a banned outfit. Pamphlets and stickers affiliated with the banned SSP, along with two mobile phones and a sum of Rs17,780 in cash, were also confiscated.
The CTD Punjab conducted 485 “combing operations” in collaboration with local police across the province. The operations resulted in 36 arrests and the registration of 29 first information reports.
The statement further asserted that the CTD Punjab is working towards its goal of ensuring a safe and secure Punjab. It is determined to bring terrorists and anti-state elements behind bars.
