CTD Arrests 89 Terrorists in Punjab During 940 Operations Over Three Months

Lahore, Sept 22, 2025: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab has announced the arrest of 89 suspected terrorists during 940 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted across the province over the past three months.

The operations come amid a noticeable rise in terror-related incidents in Pakistan during the past year. CTD officials said the department remains fully committed to preventing terrorism, dismantling extremist networks, and ensuring public safety.

Breakdown of Arrests Across Punjab

According to the CTD statement:

• 14 suspects each were arrested from Lahore and Rawalpindi.

• 7 each from Faisalabad and Bahawalpur.

• 6 each from Jhang and Sargodha.

• 5 from Sahiwal, 4 from Gujranwala, and 3 each from Bahawalnagar and Gujrat.

Terror Affiliations

The CTD revealed that of those arrested:

• 55 belonged to Fitna al Khawarij (a term used for banned TTP).

• 5 were linked to ISIS (Islamic State).

• 2 each were connected to Al-Qaeda, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and Jeay Sindh.

Weapons and Materials Seized

During the raids, security forces recovered:

• 20.2 kg of explosive material

• 85 detonators

• 183 feet of safety fuse wire

• 717 banned pamphlets, along with magazines, detonating cords, mobile phones, and cash.

So far, 87 criminal cases have been registered, and investigations remain underway. Officials said the suspects were planning attacks on key government buildings in multiple cities.

“CTD Punjab remains vigilant and committed to the ‘Safe Punjab’ mission. We will leave no stone unturned in eliminating terrorists and anti-state elements,” the statement read.

Wider Security Sweep

In addition to CTD operations, Punjab police and other security agencies conducted 13,521 combing operations this week alone. These led to:

• Checking of over 552,000 individuals.

• 1,131 arrests of suspicious persons.

• Registration of 1,061 FIRs.

• 906 recoveries of illegal weapons and contraband.

CTD Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Action

Meanwhile, in Khyber district, KP’s CTD neutralised three militants, including an Afghan national, in an IBO earlier this week. Among those killed was Fazal Noor, a commander of Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Two of the militants were reportedly involved in a suicide bombing in Peshawar, which had killed a sub-inspector and a constable.