Punjab CTD Arrests 13 Suspected Terrorists in Intelligence-Led Operations

LAHORE: In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested at least 13 suspected terrorists during multiple high-stakes intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across various districts of the province. The operations, executed over the last 24 hours, aimed to foil potential terror plots targeting key government installations, religious places, and public spaces amid heightened security alerts across Pakistan.

According to an official CTD spokesperson, the law enforcement agency conducted dozens of intelligence-led surveillance operations in strategic cities, including Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur. During these coordinated raids, security personnel successfully recovered explosive materials, detonators, hand grenades, weapons, and banned sectarian literature from the possession of the detained suspects. Officials revealed that the arrested individuals belong to various proscribed organizations and were actively planning to execute subversive activities to disrupt peace and stability in the province.

These arrests come at a critical juncture as Pakistan faces a challenging resurgence of militant activity, particularly along its western borders and urban centers. The successful operations by the Punjab CTD underscore the provincial government’s rigorous commitment to implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against violent extremism. Strengthening internal security remains paramount to ensuring public safety, protecting minority communities, and safeguarding vital economic infrastructure across the country.

Following the successful raids, the CTD has registered formal cases against the suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and shifted them to undisclosed locations for high-level interrogation. Joint investigation teams are expected to probe their communication networks to trace local facilitators and cross-border financial backers. Meanwhile, security forces have further intensified combing operations and snap-checking across Punjab to preemptively neutralize any remaining sleeper cells.