Punjab’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted an intelligence-based operation across multiple cities, arresting 26 terrorists over security concerns, officials said. The operation targeted militants planning attacks to create fear among the public, highlighting CTD’s ongoing efforts to prevent terrorism.
The raids spanned cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chakwal, Rajanpur, Narowal, Pakpattan, and Sargodha.
Officials reported that the arrests included one Al-Qaeda operative from Lahore and four dangerous members of the group “Fitna Al-Khawarij” from Sargodha. Security forces recovered explosive material, three EIDs, 19 detonators, 34 feet of safety fuse wire, pamphlets, cash, and prime cards from the suspects. Authorities confirmed the arrested individuals hailed from different regions and had planned terror activities targeting civilians.
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The CTD identified the suspects as Irfan, Zaman Ali, Mujahid Ali, Faisal, Shiraz, Nematullah, Usama, Ghulam Yaseen, Yasir, and Imran, among others. Officials said the operation aimed to disrupt planned attacks and dismantle militant networks operating in Punjab. The department emphasized that arrests were based on actionable intelligence collected over the past month.
Over the course of a month, CTD conducted 286 intelligence-based operations, along with 4,662 combing operations, resulting in 538 arrests and questioning of 160,009 individuals. These coordinated efforts aim to weaken terrorist networks and prevent attacks on public places, reflecting the department’s focus on proactive counter-terrorism measures.
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The CTD spokesperson reaffirmed the department’s determination to eradicate terrorism from the province. “We remain committed to eliminating the scourge of terrorism from Punjab and protecting citizens from threats,” the official said, emphasizing continued vigilance and intelligence-led operations.