Punjab CTD arrests 26 suspected terrorists in province-wide operations

WEB DESK: The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has announced the arrest of 26 suspected terrorists linked to various proscribed militant organisations during a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province over the past month.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the arrests were carried out amid heightened security concerns and potential terrorist threats across Punjab. The operations, which comprised 286 intelligence-based raids, targeted districts including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chakwal, Rajanpur, Narowal, Pakpattan and Sargodha, reported Dawn.

Among those detained was one alleged militant affiliated with al-Qaeda, apprehended in Lahore. In Sargodha, authorities arrested four members of Fitna al-Khawarij a term used by Pakistani authorities to describe militants associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Officials stated that the suspects had links to the tribal areas and were allegedly planning attacks on key buildings in various cities to instil fear among the public.

During the IBOs, security forces recovered a significant cache of prohibited materials, including 4.9 kilograms of explosives, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 19 detonators, 34 feet of safety fuse wire, pamphlets and magazines of banned organisations, Prima cards, mobile phones and cash. Arms and other explosives were also seized.

The CTD has registered 25 cases against the arrested individuals under terrorism-related charges and initiated further investigations. Additionally, 286 suspects were interrogated as part of the operations.

Broader counter-terror measures across Punjab

In parallel efforts, the department in coordination with local police and other security agencies conducted 4,662 combing operations province-wide. These checks involved screening 160,009 individuals, leading to the arrest of 538 suspects, registration of 516 FIRs, and 389 recoveries of various items.

The announcement forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Punjab. In recent months, the CTD reported similar successes, including the arrest of 49 suspected terrorists last month while foiling a major terror plot, and the elimination of six highly dangerous terrorists in an operation near Chapri Dam.

Authorities emphasised that these proactive measures aim to disrupt militant networks and prevent potential attacks in both urban and rural areas of the province. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, with no further details on their identities or specific roles released publicly at this stage.