The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) detained seven alleged terrorists associated with outlawed groups during an intelligence-based operation in Lahore, according to a statement from the CTD on Saturday.
The press release said that five detonators, banned literature including 39 pamphlets, stickers and a receipt book of an outlawed organization, and Rs22,870 cash were recovered from them.
Two mobile phones and a 3.8-meter safety wire were also taken from the detained individuals, it was noted. According to the CTD, the suspects are engaged in the preparation for acts of terrorism in provincially sensitive cities.
First information reports (FIRs) have been filed against the arrested suspects under the anti-terrorism act.
The development comes a day after Punjab Police Inspector General Aamir Zulfiqar Khan issued orders to put security on high alert across the province.
He had directed that the security arrangements of sensitive and public places should be tightened in all districts, including the provincial capital Lahore.
The inspector also directed that the Special Branch and the CTD should beef up intelligence-based operations and provide all possible support to the district police teams in defeating criminals.
The heightened security measures come after yesterday’s blast in the capital had left one policeman martyred and six people injured. Immediately after the blast, the Islamabad inspector-general issued orders for a “security red alert” across the city.
