Pakistan: CTD Arrests 20 Suspected Militants in Punjab Operations

Lahore (Terror Monitor) — Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested two terrorists listed on its Red Book during an operation in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province.

According to CTD officials, one of the arrested suspects was wanted in connection with the murder of an officer of a sensitive security agency, while the other had also been wanted by police in terrorism-related cases.

Officials said both suspects had been wanted by police in various cases since 2014. Multiple cases, including terrorism-related charges, have been registered against them in Lahore.

The CTD said a reward of Rs500,000 had been announced for information leading to the arrest of each of the two suspects. Further investigation is underway.

In separate intelligence-based operations across Punjab, the CTD arrested 18 suspected militants in Lahore, Faisalabad, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala and Multan.

According to a CTD spokesperson, weapons and materials allegedly linked to the preparation of explosives were recovered from the suspects.

The recovered items included eight detonators, five feet of primer cord and 13 feet of safety fuse wire. The arrested suspects included Hassan Abbas, Hanif, Samiullah, Hasnain, Ata and Shehzad, among others.

The CTD said the suspects were allegedly planning activities aimed at spreading fear and panic among civilians.

The spokesperson said security forces also conducted 3,357 combing operations across the province during the week, detaining 274 suspects and questioning 121,433 people.

The CTD said operations would continue as part of efforts to prevent terrorist threats and maintain law and order across Punjab.