The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab arrested 18 terrorists belonging to various banned outfits during 117 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across different districts of the province, foiling potential terrorism plans and recovering a large quantity of explosives, weapons, banned literature and other material from their possession.

According to a CTD spokesperson,117 individuals were questioned during the operations, while the arrested terrorists were identified as Hassan Abbas Shah,Muhammad Hanif,Samiullah alias Talib Jan, Muhammad Hasnain, Hafiz Muhammad Abdul Latif, Attaullah, Faizullah, Muhammad Shehzad alias Pama, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Anas, Tahir, Waqar Ahmed, Muhammad Ahsan, Muhammad Farman, Muhammad Nauman, Umar Farooq, Abdul Wahab and Shaukat Ali.

The arrested suspects belonged to Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Bhakkar, Lahore and Multan and were affiliated with different banned organisations, the spokesperson said. The CTD also recovered 3,185 grams of explosives,eight detonators,13.1 feet of safety fuse,4.5 feet of prima cord,four pistols with 21 bullets,13 banned books,23 prohibited magazines,65 pamphlets,84 stickers.

The spokesperson said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities aimed at spreading fear among the public through acts of terrorism and disturbing law and order. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the arrested individuals, while further investigation was underway. Meanwhile, during the last two weeks, 3,357 combing operations were conducted across Punjab in coordination with local police and other law enforcement agencies.

During these operations, 121,433 individuals were checked, 274 suspects were arrested, 263 cases were registered and 244 recoveries of various kinds were made, he added. The CTD Punjab continues its operations against terrorists and anti-state elements under its objective of ensuring a safe Punjab. The spokesperson said no effort would be spared to eliminate terrorism and protect the lives and property of citizens. Citizens can report any suspicious activity or information relating to terrorism to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)