CTD foils major terror plot: Indian RAW agent amongst 13 arrested in Punjab

LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab on Saturday arrested 13 terrorists belonging to various proscribed organisations during intelligence-based operations in different districts of the province, foiling a major terror plot.

According to the CTD spokesperson, 98 intelligence-based operations were conducted in different districts to prevent any untoward incident of terrorism, during which 98 suspects were interrogated and 13 terrorists were arrested along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited material.

A dangerous terrorist linked with Indian agency RAW, identified as Wajid, was arrested from Pakpattan.

The arrested terrorists included Usman, Abdul Mannan, Wajid, Naeem, Osama, Hassan, Hassan Khan, Babar, Hasnain, Javed and Raheem, among others.

They were affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij and other terrorist organisations and were arrested from Lahore, Sargodha, Gujrat, Pakpattan, Rawalpindi, Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Khushab, Chiniot and Khanewal.

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The CTD also recovered 1,990 grams of explosives, 12 detonators, 35 feet of safety fuse wire, three IED bombs, a hand grenade, pamphlets of proscribed organisations, magazines, prima cards, mobile phones and cash from their possession.

The spokesperson said the terrorists wanted to carry out activities in different areas to spread terror.

He said 13 cases had been registered against the arrested terrorists and further investigation was underway.

He said 1,590 combing operations were also conducted in coordination with local police and security agencies, during which 55,416 persons were checked, 52 suspects were arrested, 45 FIRs registered and 40 recoveries made.

The CTD Punjab remains committed to its objective of ensuring a safe Punjab and would leave no stone unturned to apprehend terrorists and anti-state elements, the spokesperson added.

Citizens have been urged to report any relevant information to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.