The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced that it had successfully foiled a major terrorist plot during a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across multiple districts of the province over the past week.
According to an official spokesperson for the CTD, a total of 58 intelligence-led operations were carried out in Lahore, Jhang, Sahiwal, Jhelum, Chiniot, Mandi Bahauddin and Mianwali in a coordinated effort aimed at preventing potential acts of terrorism and safeguarding sensitive installations.
The spokesperson stated that security personnel interrogated 58 suspects during the operations, while 13 alleged terrorists affiliated with various banned organisations were arrested. The suspects were reportedly linked to Fitna al Khawarij and other extremist groups involved in anti-state activities.
Fitna al Khawarij is the term used by the state for terrorists associated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Among the key arrests, alleged terrorist Mukhtar Ahmed was apprehended in Lahore. Authorities claimed that a significant cache of explosives and prohibited materials was recovered from his possession.
The CTD said the recoveries made during the operations included approximately 2,010 grams of explosives, eight detonators, 15 feet of safety fuse wire, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), pamphlets and magazines linked to banned organisations, prima cards, mobile phones and cash.
According to investigators, the arrested suspects were allegedly planning to target offices of law enforcement agencies and other sensitive locations in the province.
The spokesperson confirmed that 13 separate cases had been registered against the detained suspects under terrorism-related charges, while further investigations were underway to identify possible facilitators and operational networks.
In addition to the intelligence-based operations, the CTD, in collaboration with local police and other security agencies, also conducted extensive combing and search operations across Punjab to strengthen security and monitor suspicious activities.
During 1,487 combing operations carried out province-wide, security teams checked more than 53,335 individuals. Authorities arrested 168 suspects, registered 153 First Information Reports (FIRs), and made 150 recoveries during the crackdown.
The latest operations form part of Punjab’s broader counterterrorism strategy aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, preventing extremist violence and enhancing coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Earlier this year, the CTD had reported multiple successful counterterrorism actions across the province. On March 28, the department announced the detention of 36 suspected terrorists during a province-wide crackdown. In mid-February, officials stated that 26 suspected terrorists had been arrested in operations conducted over the preceding month.
Security officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining vigilance against terrorist threats and ensuring public safety through intelligence-led operations and coordinated enforcement measures across Punjab.
