Law enforcement authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have detained eight individuals suspected of being involved with banned terrorist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab police disclosed that it successfully thwarted a significant terrorist scheme through operations carried out across various areas of Punjab.
The CTD reported that a total of 74 intelligence-based operations were conducted in different districts of the province, leading to the apprehension of eight alleged terrorists. These individuals were found in possession of weapons, explosives, and other prohibited materials. The detained suspects are affiliated with proscribed organizations including ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
The names of the arrested individuals are Liaqat Khan, Muhammad Hasan, Shan Faraz, Gul Karim, Ayub Khan, Muhammad Umeer, Ameer Muawiya, and Rizwan Siddiq. They have affiliations with Daesh, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
According to the CTD, the arrests were carried out in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, and Gujranwala. The detainees were found to be in possession of explosives (weighing 1200 grams), two hand grenades, an IED bomb, nine detonators, 29 feet of protective fuse wire, banned literature, and an ISIS flag.
The CTD revealed that the arrested individuals had devised plans to carry out acts of sabotage throughout the province, targeting important facilities and religious sites. The police have filed seven cases against them and have relocated them to an undisclosed facility for interrogation.
In the preceding week, the CTD had apprehended 13 suspected terrorists, including three ISIS commanders. During the current week, a total of 700 sweeping operations were conducted, leading to the apprehension of 135 suspects. These operations involved the questioning of more than 16,784 individuals, as reported by CTD officials.
