Lahore: The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday arrested 54 suspected terrorists during 419 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across the province as part of its ongoing campaign against terrorism, extremism and anti-state activities.
According to a CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out on the basis of actionable intelligence in various districts.
During the crackdown, 422 suspects were interrogated while 54 individuals allegedly affiliated with different proscribed organisations were taken into custody.
Investigations was underway to identify their networks and facilitators.
The spokesperson claimed that some of the arrested suspects had alleged links with India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Those identified included Waris Khan and Danish Ali, arrested from Lahore and Roz Ali Khan, Wilayat Shah and Muhammad Aziz arrested from Okara.
The spokesperson said further investigations were continuing in accordance with the law.
The remaining suspects were alleged to be associated with various banned organizations, including Daesh, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Sipah-e-Sahaba and Fitna Al Khawarij.
Arrests were made from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, Bahawalpur, Okara and other districts.
The CTD said the operations led to the recovery of 7. 9 kilograms of explosive material, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 50 detonators, 98 feet of safety fuse wire, two pistols, three rifles, a quantity of ammunition, 120 pamphlets, 72 banned books, 31 prohibited magazines, 112 stickers, two flags, one receipt book, eight mobile phones and Rs. 339, 880 in cash.
Separately, the department said that in coordination with district police and other law enforcement agencies, it conducted 13, 572 combing operations across Punjab over the past eight weeks.
The operations involved the screening of 494, 642 individuals, resulting in the arrest of 1, 103 suspects, registration of 1, 070 criminal cases and recovery of 977 items.
The CTD said operations against terrorists, their facilitators and anti-state elements would continue with greater intensity.
It urged citizens to report suspicious activity through its helpline, 0800-11111, saying timely public cooperation remained essential for preventing terrorist incidents and ensuring public safety.