LAHORE: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday arrested nine militants linked to banned outfits during operations in various areas of the province.

According to a spokesperson, the Punjab CTD conducted 71 intelligence-based operations in different districts to effectively prevent any potential terrorist incidents. During these operations, 69 suspects were interrogated, and nine terrorists were arrested. Weapons, explosives, and other prohibited materials were also recovered.

The arrested suspects were identified as Abdul Karim, Muhammad Usman, Imran Siddiqui, Muhammad Thani, Mustjab Hussain Shah, Shaukatullah, Ahmed Khan, Shiraz Mahmood, and Saeedur Rehman.

The suspects belonged to banned groups, including Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and Daesh.

The arrests were made during intelligence-based operations in Rahim Yar Khan, Okara, Bahawalpur, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Mianwali.

The spokesperson said the terrorists had planned sabotage across the province and aimed to target important installations and religious sites.

The police have registered nine cases against the arrested terrorists and shifted them to an undisclosed location, he added.

He said that 978 combing operations were conducted this week with the help of local police and security agencies, during which 34,694 people were checked, 78 suspects were arrested, 79 cases were registered, and 63 recoveries were made.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2024