A total of 23 terrorists were arrested in Punjab during a joint intelligence-based operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). These individuals were planning to attack a prominent educational institution in Lahore.
A CTD spokesman revealed that the operation was conducted in multiple cities, including Lahore, Jhelum, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Gujrat, Mianwali, Sargodha, and Faisalabad. Seven hardcore members of the terror network, Fitna Al-Khwarij, were apprehended during the Lahore operation. Authorities confiscated weapons, explosives, and detailed maps of an important educational institution from their possession.
The CTD recovered significant materials from the terrorists, including four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 33 detonators, 75 feet of protective fuse cable, and propaganda pamphlets. Cash was also seized during the operation. Some of the arrested terrorists were identified as Abdur Razzaq, Muhammad Ismail, Wajahat Ali, Yousuf Raza, Naseemullah, Nazarallah, Abu Bakar, Tariq, Naseem Zaman, and Shahid Nawaz.
Officials stated that these individuals planned to spread fear among the public by conducting coordinated militant activities at multiple locations. During the week, the CTD carried out 9,471 combing operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,033 suspects. Over 21,700 individuals were questioned during these operations.
Separately, an online recruitment drive by Fitna Al-Khwarij targeting youth in Punjab was uncovered. Law enforcement agencies, through cyber patrolling and intelligence efforts, dismantled the recruitment network. Six individuals, aged between 16 and 23, were arrested for facilitating terrorist activities.
The facilitators were recruited from cities like Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Jhelum, and Sargodha. Cybercrime authorities disclosed that advanced monitoring techniques exposed the recruitment algorithms and outreach methods used by the group.
Details of the recruitment campaign and arrests were shared with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for further action. Authorities confirmed that the monitoring of anti-state activities online has been intensified to disrupt similar networks more efficiently in the future.
This series of successful operations highlights the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in Punjab, ensuring the safety of its citizens and institutions.
