The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab has released its annual performance report, claiming to foil at least 133 attempts of terror attacks and arresting 177 suspects in Punjab. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, the department conducted 901 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in various districts, including Lahore, resulting in the arrest of 177 individuals involved in terrorist activities and anti-state activities. Moreover, 142 FIRs were registered. The spokesperson further stated that among the arrested individuals, three highly wanted terrorists included in the Red Book were also arrested. They were affiliated with the banned organizations. A large quantity of explosive materials such as suicide jackets, rockets, hand grenades, detonators, IEDs, and explosive substances were recovered from the possession of terrorists.

 Furthermore, pistols, ball bearings, bullets, safety fuses, laptops, mobile phones, banned books, magazines, pamphlets, and other controversial material were also seized from the terrorists. The Punjab Police spokesperson mentioned that CTD had foiled 133 terrorist plots through IBOs and arrested the conspirators.Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar said that the CTD was actively engaged in countering terrorism, extremism, and other criminal activities, and successfully eliminated 114 networks involved in terrorism facilitation, planning and collaboration through their timely actions.

 He commended the "excellent" performance of the CTD and directed the Additional IG CTD to increase the intensity of IBOs to ensure complete eradication of terrorism from the province through effective information sharing.Anwar further emphasized that all terrorists, facilitators, financiers, and criminals should be brought to justice and receive appropriate punishment within the ambit of law.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP