LAHORE: The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested nine terrorists during 71 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province, according to a statement released on Saturday.
The CTD, which operates under the provincial police department, plays a critical role in countering terrorism and ensuring internal security in the country.
The CTD spokesperson confirmed that the operations were conducted in response to terrorism-related concerns and took place in cities including Lahore, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. “Nine terrorists were arrested during the operations,” the spokesperson said.
Among the arrested, one terrorist affiliated with Fitna-ul-Khawarij was captured in Mianwali, while another, linked to the Islamic State (IS), was apprehended in Faisalabad. In July, the government officially designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij, instructing institutions to refer to the group’s operatives as Khariji (outcasts).
The operations resulted in the recovery of explosives, two hand grenades, 26 detonators, 73 feet of safety fuse wire, bullets, arms, mobile phones, and cash from the terrorists.
The arrested individuals were identified as Abdul Kareem, Usman, Imran Siddiqui, Shani, Shaukat, Ahmed Khan, Shiraz Mahmood, Saeed ur Rehman, and Mustajab.
The CTD spokesperson added that the arrested terrorists aimed to create fear and chaos among the public through their activities.
Additionally, during 978 combing operations conducted this week, a total of 78 suspects were arrested, and 34,694 individuals were questioned. In a separate operation a day earlier, the CTD Punjab killed two terrorists during an operation in Dera Ghazi Khan.
