The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Wednesday arrested a terrorist affiliated with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an intelligence-based operation on Arifwala Road in Sahiwal, officials said.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was carried out after actionable intelligence indicated the presence of a TTP-linked operative in the area. The suspect, identified as Yasir, was taken into custody without resistance following a targeted raid.
During the operation, CTD personnel recovered explosive material, detonators, and weapons from the suspect’s possession. Preliminary findings suggest that the recovered materials were intended for use in planned acts of terrorism aimed at spreading fear and insecurity across the city.
The spokesperson said the suspect was allegedly preparing to carry out attacks at multiple locations in Sahiwal. Law enforcement agencies believe the arrest has averted a potential terrorist incident.
Following the arrest, the area was cordoned off and a search operation was conducted to rule out the presence of any accomplices or additional explosives. The recovered weapons and explosive material were secured and shifted to CTD custody for forensic examination.
A case has been registered against the suspect under relevant anti-terrorism laws, and further investigation is underway to determine his network, handlers, and possible links to other TTP operatives operating in the region. Authorities are also probing whether the suspect was in contact with facilitators or sleeper cells.
