LAHORE: Seven 'militants' suspected of involvement in the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LJ) and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during an alleged exchange of fire with police personnel in Sheikhupura on Sunday.

A Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab spokesman said Sheikhupura police "received information from a credible source that nine to ten suspects belonging to the TTP and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi" were present near the Parrianwala railway crossing in Sheikhupura district at around 1am on Sunday.

He claimed they were planning to attack sensitive installations and personnel belonging to law enforcement agencies in the city.

A team of CTD officials reached the location to arrest the suspects, the statement said, adding that the suspects opened fire at the officials after they were challenged.

"Police retaliated in self-defense," the CTD spokesman said.

"When the firing stopped, seven suspects were found dead by the firing of their won accomplices.The remaining escaped, taking benefit of the darkness."

Weapons and ammunition were allegedly recovered from the suspects, including 5 kilograms of explosive material, two detonators, three motorcycles, three Kalashnikov rifles, four pistols and 150 bullets.

An investigation is underway, the CTD said.