The Counterterrorism Department (CTD), Punjab, has arrested 13 terrorists linked to banned organisations during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across different districts of the province, recovering a substantial quantity of explosives, detonators, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a hand grenade and other prohibited material.
According to a CTD official, the department conducted 98 intelligence-based operations across various districts of Punjab as part of its continuing efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks and prevent acts of terrorism. During these operations, 98 individuals were questioned, resulting in the arrest of 13 terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Khwarij and other terrorist organisations.
The arrested terrorists have been identified as Usman, Abdul Mannan, Wajid, Naeem, Osama, Hassan, Hassan Khan, Babar, Hasnain, Javed and Raheem. They were apprehended from Lahore, Sargodha, Gujrat, Pakpattan, Rawalpindi, Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Khushab, Chiniot and Khanewal.
Among the significant arrests was Wajid, who was apprehended in Pakpattan. According to the CTD official, Wajid was linked to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
A substantial quantity of explosive material and terrorist paraphernalia was recovered during the operation. The recovered items include: 1,990 grams of explosives, 12 detonators, 35 feet of safety fuse wire, Three improvised explosive device (IED) bombs, One hand grenade, Pamphlets and magazines of banned organisations, A prima card, Mobile phones and Cash.
The recovery of explosives, detonators, IEDs and other prohibited material represents a significant disruption to the terrorists’ operational capabilities and their alleged preparations for carrying out terrorist activities. According to the CTD, the arrested terrorists had planned to carry out terrorist activities in different areas with the aim of spreading fear and creating insecurity among the public. Their timely arrest and the recovery of explosive material prevented potential acts of violence and dealt a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the province.
Following the arrests, 13 cases have been registered against the arrested terrorists under relevant laws, while further investigations are underway. Investigators are examining the recovered mobile phones, documents, publications and other material to establish the terrorists’ wider network, identify their facilitators and associates, and determine the full extent of their activities. The CTD is also pursuing leads regarding the sources of the recovered weapons and explosives and the intended targets of the planned terrorist activities.
In a separate and extensive security drive, the CTD, in coordination with local police and other security agencies, conducted 1,590 combing operations across Punjab. During these operations, security personnel checked 55,416 individuals, resulting in the arrest of 52 suspects. A total of 45 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered, while 40 recoveries were also made during the province-wide operations.
The large-scale combing campaign forms part of the broader counterterrorism strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, disrupting terrorist infrastructure and preventing hostile elements from establishing operational networks in populated areas.
The latest operations reflect the CTD Punjab’s continued emphasis on intelligence-based policing, preventive counterterrorism measures and coordinated security operations to counter the threat of terrorism. The successful arrests and recovery of explosive material demonstrate the importance of timely intelligence, coordinated action and sustained surveillance in preventing terrorist activities before they can materialise.
The CTD, in coordination with Punjab Police and other security agencies, remains committed to taking decisive action against terrorist organisations, their operatives, facilitators and support networks across the province.
