LAHORE: Keeping in view the recent wave of terrorism across the country, particularly targeted killing of police officials, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab conducted 64 intelligence-based operations across the province and arrested seven identified terror suspects during last seven days. It also claimed to have arrested 65 others who were not identified.

A spokesperson for the CTD said on Saturday that Muhammad Tahir was arrested from Sargodha. He was involved in doing propaganda and posting hate material on social media against different sects.

Muhammad Shahzad Ali, belonging to the ISIS, was arrested from Narowal and he was planning to attack important places. The CTD recovered 2,100gm explosives, a safety fuse, one non-electric detonator and pictures of important places from his possession. Ali was directed by the organisation to carry out a blast in a Shia procession, which was going to be held on May 30/31, 2021, the spokesperson said.

Artaza Majeed, belonging to defunct Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), was arrested from Bhakkar while distributing the pamphlets and stickers of his organisation. The CTD recovered 54 stickers and 32 pamphlets of the SSP besides cash from him. The CTD also arrested Muhammad Imran, belonging to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), from Bhakkar when he was planning to carry out some terrorism activity. From his possession, 1,130gm explosives, a safety fuse and four detonators besides Rs3,240 cash were recovered.

Haider Khan, a member of the TTP, was arrested from Bahawalpur and a hand grenade and a pistol with six live bullets were recovered from it. He wanted to target important places in the city.

During an operation, the CTD arrested Muhammad Qasim, a member of the SSP, from Faisalabad while collecting funds for the organisation.

Another terror suspect, Abdul Qadoos, belonging to Al-Qaida, was arrested from Mandi Bahauddin. He wanted to carry out an explosive blast at the District Complex Mandi Bahauddin. The CTD recovered from him 480gm explosives, a safety fuse, a non-electric detonator and cash.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2021