LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Friday to have arrested two suspected terrorists of a banned outfit, who reached Lahore to carry out terrorist attack on Ashura processions.

According to sources, the CTD and intelligence agencies conducted raid in Shahdara and arrested Amjad Ali Chattha of Haveli Numbersaran Mohalla Jallo and Mubashir Miraj of Street No 5 of Mohalla Asifabad Colony, Sheikhupura. Both are members of the banned Jamatul Ahrar and TTP. The CTD officials recovered two 30 bore pistols, 550gm explosive, a hand grenade and 600gm explosive in double plastic bag and detonator.

The suspects reached Lahore to carry out attack on the Muharram processions. The CTD registered a case against suspects under section 4/5 ESA, 11-F (2) ATA, and 13-2a 20/65 AO and shifted them to undisclosed location for interrogation.

The CTD source said Jamatul Ahrar had been involved in last four terrorist attacks in Lahore including Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh, Youhanabad and Wagah attack. At Wagah flag-lowering ceremony suicide attack, more than 60 people were killed and the outlawed Jundullah and TTP-affiliated Jamatul Ahrar outfits claimed responsibility.

More than 17 people were killed and 70 injured in two suicide attacks outside churches in Youhanabad.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2015

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