Seven suspected terrorists said to be associated with the Jamaat-ul-Ahrar were arrested in Multan on Monday by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), it has been learnt.

According to the CTD spokesperson, the suspected belligerents were stationed at Severra Chowk in Multan and were caught with hand grenades and heavy explosives in their possession.

The CTD had received information that the terrorists were planning to attack vital installations within the city, after which they conducted a raid near Severra Chowk, the spokesperson said.

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against the suspects and an investigation has been launched at the crime scene.

Two suspects nabbed in Gujranwala

Similarly, a raid conducted by CTD officials in Gujranwala resulted in the arrest of two suspected terrorists who belong to proscribed organisations, a CTD spokesperson confirmed.

The raid was conducted after the law enforcement agency received information that the pair was planning to attack sensitive installations within the vicinity of Sialkot.

During the raid, the CTD team recovered explosive material and detonation equipment from their possession.

After an FIR was registered against the pair, an investigation has been started into the matter.

CTD cracks down

Earlier last week, ten suspected militants of Jamaatul Ahrar, including Anwarul Haq, the handler of February 13 bomb attack on The Mall, were killed in an operation by the CTD.

According to a spokesman for the CTD, a team from Lahore was taking five arrested suspects, including Haq, to Manawan for seizing weapons and explosives when they were attacked at about 1.15am on early Saturday morning near Ring Road by nine “terrorists”.

After the attackers managed to free their compatriots, the CTD force chased them down with reinforcements. In the battle that ensued, 10 of the suspected militants were killed.