LAHORE: The Law Enforcement Agencies thwarted two major terrorist plans when they arrested seven alleged militants from Lahore and Sargodha and recovered four suicide vests and explosives from their possession, police officials said on Thursday.

In Lahore, police and secret agencies arrested two suspected militants from Anarkali Bazar neighbouhood in a joint-raid. They recovered two suicide vests along with explosives from their possession.

Reports from police sources suggest the arrested suspects were planning to target procession of Muharram eighth. Hailing from Punjab, these men were trained in Miramshah, the main town of North Waziristan.

Sources added that they were planning to hand over the explosive vests to suicide bombers.

Meanwhile, in a similar raid, five suspected militants were nabbed in Sargodha.

According to IG Punjab police Haji Habibur Rehman, the arrested belong to Waziristan area and were lodged in rented residences.

The suspects were planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Muharram, said the IG, adding they have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Later, speaking to media representatives, Rehman said a pillion-riding ban will be imposed in the province during Muharram 9 and 10 while police would consult local administration in districts to get cellular phone service suspended if needed.

The IG also said the units of Pakistan army and rangers will carry out flag-march in Lahore on November 23 while aerial monitoring of processions in the most sensitive districts will also be performed.