By our correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department carried out more than 360 intelligence-based operations across the province this week, arresting 24 suspected terrorists and recovering explosive material.
In a statement, the CTD said it had launched 364 operations in cities including Lahore, Sahiwal, Toba Tek Singh, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, Rajanpur, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin and Attock. Officials said the arrests included Shakir, described as a dangerous member of the terrorist network the authorities refer to as Fitna-e-Khawarij.
According to the department, the suspects had planned to carry out attacks at various locations in an effort to spread fear among the public. Explosive material and other equipment were recovered during the raids.
The CTD said the week-long campaign was part of ongoing efforts to pre-empt attacks and curb terrorist activity in Punjab, where security agencies have stepped up monitoring following recent incidents in the wider region.
