CTD arrests 14 ‘terrorists’ in Punjab

LAHORE: The Counterterrorism Department (CTD) Punjab has foiled a major terror plot by arresting 14 suspected terrorists linked with banned outfits during various operations.

According to the CTD spokesman, the department conducted 147 intelligence-based operations in different districts of the province to deal with any untoward incident of terrorism, in which 147 suspects were interrogated and 14 alleged terrorists were arrested with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials. 

Among the arrested are Muhammad Safin Ahmed, Ansar Ali, Waheedullah, Saad Habib Al-Madani, Abdul Salam, Qamar-uz-Zaman, Muhammad Zahid Asad, Khair Din, Hafiz Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Amjad, Bilal Usman, Ali Akbar, Shahab and Imran. They belong to the banned organizations Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Daesh and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The arrests were made in Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Lahore.

The spokesman said 1,580 grams of explosives, eight detonators, 13 feet of safety fuse wire, two mobile phones and 6,480 rupees were recovered from the terrorists. Besides, 2843-gram explosive material, three hand grenades, four IEDs, 12 detonators, 19.5 feet safety fuse wire, 6.5 feet prima card, 39 pamphlets, 10 stickers, four receipt books, a mobile phone and Rs 43,440 were also recovered. The terrorists wanted to target important installations. Police have registered 13 cases against the terrorists and shifted them to an unknown location.

The spokesman said 588 combing operations were conducted this week with the help of local police and security agencies, 25,360 people were checked, 79 suspects arrested, 78 FIRs registered and 29 recoveries made during these operations. The CTD Punjab is diligently pursuing its goal of a safe Punjab and no stone will be left unturned in its efforts to put terrorists and anti-state elements behind the bars. In case of any related information, call the helpline 0800 11111.