Punjab arrests 26 suspected terrorists in province-wide ops

The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has announced a series of high-profile arrests across various militant-linked organizations during intelligence-based operations over the past month. The CTD spokesperson stated that these raids, totaling 286 in number and carried out in districts like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chakwal, Rajanpur, Narowal, Pakpattan, and Sargodha, came amidst heightened security concerns across Punjab.

One of the most significant arrests was that of a militant associated with al-Qaeda in Lahore. In Sargodha, four members of Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by authorities to describe militants tied to banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were apprehended. The suspects had connections to the tribal areas and were suspected of planning attacks on key public buildings.

The raids yielded a significant haul of prohibited materials, including 4.9 kilograms of explosives, three IEDs, 19 detonators, 34 feet of safety fuse wire, pamphlets from banned organizations, Prima cards, mobile phones, and cash. Arms and other explosives were also confiscated.

The CTD registered 25 cases against the arrested individuals under terrorism-related charges and continued investigating further. Additionally, 286 suspects were interrogated as part of these operations.

Concurrently, in coordination with local police and security agencies, the department conducted combing operations province-wide. These checks screened 160,009 individuals, leading to the arrest of 538 suspects, registration of 516 FIRs, and recovery of various items totaling 389.

These proactive measures by the CTD aim to disrupt militant networks and prevent potential attacks in both urban and rural areas. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue, but no further details on their identities or specific roles have been released publicly at this stage.

The ongoing efforts align with previous successes; last month saw 49 suspected terrorists arrested while thwarting a major terror plot, and six highly dangerous militants were eliminated near Chapri Dam. Authorities underscore the importance of these measures in ensuring public safety across Punjab.