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Punjab CTD Arrests 36 Suspected Terrorists, Foils Major Attack Plot
Punjab CTD arrests 36 suspected terrorists in province-wide operations, foils major attack plan and recovers explosives, weapons, and IEDs.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-28
Punjab CTD Arrests 36 Suspected Terrorists, Foils Major Attack Plot

The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday announced the arrest of 36 suspected terrorists linked to various banned organisations during a series of intelligence-based operations conducted across the province over the past month.

According to an official press release, the arrests included two highly dangerous suspects affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij — a term used by the state for militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These individuals were apprehended in Faisalabad and Jhelum, with authorities recovering significant quantities of explosives and weapons.

The CTD stated that the month-long crackdown successfully thwarted a major terrorist plot targeting key installations in multiple cities. In total, 366 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were carried out across Punjab, during which 338 suspects were interrogated.

Officials revealed that the arrested individuals were associated with the TTP and other proscribed groups and belonged to several districts, including Lahore, Sahiwal, Chakwal, Okara, Khanewal, Chiniot, Attock, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, and Jhelum.

During the operations, authorities seized a substantial cache of materials, including over 6,200 grams of explosives, 34 detonators, 34 feet of safety fuse wire, and five improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, banned literature, magazines, a Prima card, mobile phones, and cash were recovered.

The CTD confirmed that 31 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against the suspects, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover broader networks and potential facilitators.

In parallel, law enforcement agencies intensified combing operations in coordination with local police. A total of 7,799 such operations were conducted, resulting in the screening of more than 296,000 individuals. Authorities questioned 1,261 suspects, registered 1,090 FIRs, and made 709 recoveries during these efforts.

Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the CTD emphasized that it would continue its crackdown against terrorism and anti-state elements without compromise. Citizens have been urged to report any suspicious activity through the CTD helpline.

This latest development follows a series of recent counterterrorism actions in Punjab. In mid-February, CTD reported the arrest of 26 suspected militants, while in January, authorities claimed to have detained 49 suspects in a similar operation, including an alleged operative linked to a foreign intelligence agency. Additionally, six high-profile militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Mianwali’s Chapri area earlier this year.

Security forces continue to remain on high alert amid ongoing efforts to eliminate militant threats and ensure public safety across the province.
Tagged:

Pakistan

PUNJAB

CTD

CounterTerrorism
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