CTD Punjab Arrests 16 Terrorists, Foils Major Plot

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore
LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department Punjab has foiled a major دہشت گردی کا منصوبہ by arresting 16 suspected terrorists affiliated with banned organizations during intelligence-based operations across the province.
According to a CTD spokesperson, 113 intelligence-based operations were carried out in various districts of Punjab, during which 113 suspects were interrogated and 16 دہشت گردوں کو گرفتار کیا گیا۔ Authorities also recovered weapons, explosives, and other prohibited materials from their possession.
Among those arrested were key دہشت گرد including Marjan, described as a dangerous suicide bomber linked to “Fitna-ul-Khawarij,” who was apprehended from Jhang, and Malle Khan, allegedly involved in attacks on security institutions, arrested from Sargodha.
Other suspects taken into custody include Moin Khan, Asil Din, Nasir Shah, Naseeb Khan, Ali Abdullah, Saifullah, Arif Khan, and Abrarul Haq. The suspects reportedly belong to Lahore, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Bhakkar, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, and Mianwali.
The CTD recovered approximately 5,663 grams of explosives, 14 detonators, 25 feet of safety fuse wire, a suicide jacket, as well as pamphlets, magazines, mobile phones, SIM cards, and cash linked to banned outfits. Officials said the دہشت گرد were planning attacks on police posts.
A total of 15 cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, and further investigations are underway.
Separately, CTD, in collaboration with local police and security agencies, conducted 2,830 combing operations across Punjab. During these operations, 95,766 individuals were checked, 190 suspects arrested, 175 FIRs registered, and 167 recoveries made.
The Counter Terrorism Department Punjab reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Punjab, urging citizens to report suspicious activities via its helpline (0800-11111).