Punjab CTD arrests 18 suspected militants in province-wide crackdown

According to the CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out as part of efforts to prevent possible terrorist activities and maintain law and

LAHORE: Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested 18 suspected militants affiliated with various banned organisations during intelligence-based operations across several districts of the province, officials said on Friday.

According to the CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out as part of efforts to prevent possible terrorist activities and maintain law and order across Punjab. A total of 117 intelligence-based operations were conducted, during which 117 individuals were questioned and 18 suspects were taken into custody.

The arrested suspects 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 suspects were reportedly arrested in Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Bhakkar, Lahore and Multan.

The CTD said its teams recovered 3.185 kilograms of explosive material, eight detonators, safety fuses, primer cord, four pistols with 21 rounds, along with banned books, prohibited magazines, pamphlets and stickers. Seven mobile phones and Rs42,740 in cash were also seized.

Officials said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities aimed at creating fear among the public and disrupting peace and security. Legal proceedings have been initiated against them, while further investigation is underway to determine their alleged links and activities.

The spokesperson added that, during the past two weeks, the CTD, local police and other law-enforcement agencies conducted 3,357 combing operations across Punjab. More than 121,000 people were checked during these operations, resulting in 274 arrests, 263 cases being registered and 244 recoveries of various kinds.

The CTD said its operations against militants and other elements considered a threat to public security would continue under its objective of ensuring a safer Punjab. Citizens have also been urged to report suspicious activities or information related to terrorism to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.