The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab foiled a major terror plot by arresting 16 terrorists belonging to various banned organizations during intelligence-based operations conducted across the province.
According to a CTD spokesperson, a total of 113 intelligence-based operations were carried out in different districts, during which 113 suspects were interrogated and 16 terrorists were apprehended along with explosives, weapons and other prohibited materials.
Among those arrested were Marjan, described as a dangerous suicide bomber affiliated with Fitna-ul-Khawarij, who was apprehended from Jhang, and Mile Khan, allegedly involved in attacks on security institutions, who was arrested from Sargodha. The spokesperson said the arrested terrorists included Moin Khan, Asil Din, Nasir Shah, Marjan, Mile Khan, Naseeb Khan, Ali Abdullah, Saifullah, Arif Khan and Abrarul Haq, among others. They belonged to different areas including Lahore, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Bhakkar, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Faisalabad and Mianwali.
He said that 5,663 grams of explosives, 14 detonators, 25 feet safety fuse wire, a suicide jacket, pamphlets, magazines, prime cards, mobile phones and cash were recovered from their possession. The terrorists were planning attacks on police posts, spokesperson added.
He further said that 15 cases had been registered against the arrested suspects and further investigations were underway. In addition, 2,830 combing operations were conducted across Punjab in coordination with local police and security agencies, during which 95,766 individuals were checked, 190 suspects arrested, 175 FIRs registered and 167 recoveries made. Citizens were urged to share any relevant information through the CTD Punjab helpline 0800-11111, added spokesperson.