LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Saturday to have arrested seven suspected terrorists belonging to banned organisations in different intelligence-based operations from various areas of the province.

The CTD also recovered arms, ammunition and explosives and registered cases under terrorism charges against them.

With a view to effectively countering the menace of terrorism, the CTD Punjab has conducted extensive IBOs across the province to avert any untoward incident. The CTD has conducted 25 IBOs in different districts of Punjab and interrogated 25 suspects.

The CTD arrested seven suspects belonging to proscribed organisations. The suspects were identified as Shafeeullah of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Khalid Mehmood from Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Mohsin Waqar from AQIS [Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent], Muhammad Usman Shah alias Abdul Rasheed alias Sufyan from TTP, Muhamamd Luqman from LeJ, Muhammad Rafique from TTP and Hafiz Muhammad Farooq from Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP).

IG shows concern over crime situation across Punjab

The CTD also registered seven cases against the suspects under sections 4/5 ESA, 7ATA 1997 in Police Station CTD Rawalpindi, under sections 11EE (4),11-F, 11-I ,11-J, 11-N PS CTD Bahawalpur, under sections 11-W(2) ATA PS CTD DG Khan, under sections 4/5 ESA 1908 PS CTD Gujranwala, under sections 11-F(2), G(2), W(2) ATA 1997 PS CTD Bahawalpur, under sections 4/5 ESA 1908 PS CTD Gujranwala, and under sections 11-W(2), 11-G, ATA-1997 PS CTD Multan.

The CTD also recovered 1,333gm explosives, fiver detonators, 12.5ft safety fuse wire, one receipt book of banned organisation, two mobile phones, 39 pamphlets, 17 stickers and Rs22,870 cash.

Furthermore, during this week, 433 combing operations were conducted with the help of local police/LEAs. During these operations, 19,633 people were checked, 96 suspects arrested, 69 FIRs registered and 54 recoveries were made.

Meanwhile, chairing the RPOs conference at the Central Police Office (CPO) on Saturday, IG Amir Zulfiqar Khan ordered the CTD to take special measures and re-evaluate the security of sensitive places across the province in view of the recent incidents of terrorism.

Additional IG Operations, Additional IG CTD, Additional IG Special Branch, officers posted in Central Police Office, heads of all units, police officers of Lahore including CCPO were present in the conference while RPOs, CPOs and DPOs participated through video link.

Mr Khan said CTD Punjab should take special steps to completely wipe out the terrorists from the province.

He directed the Special Branch to submit the monitoring and performance report of the officers to him on a daily basis.

He directed the RPOs, DPOs, CPOs and field officers to make surprise visits to the police stations of their respective cities, districts and divisions.

He expressed concern over the crime situation across the province and said practical steps should be taken to control crime and he would evaluate the performance of the officers after monitoring crime in their respective areas.

Mr Khan further said there would be no compromise on the discipline of the force and there should be a clear improvement in the Punjab Police behaviour.

He directed that foolproof security should be provided for Christmas and Quaid-i-Azam Day celebrations across the province.

He also directed that special squads of police teams should be formed to maintain the atmosphere of law and order on New Year’s Night while ensuring strict legal action under zero tolerance against lawbreakers involved in aerial firing, one-wheelie and rioting.

IGP Mr Khan was briefed that 28,000 officers and personnel were deployed for security duties on the Quaid-i-Azam Day and Christmas celebrations across the province and 6,000 officials would perform duties in Lahore.

He directed that the senior officers should go out in the field themselves and review the security arrangements of the sensitive places of worship.

He directed that additional personnel should be deployed and special measures must be taken in Murree in view of the extra rush of tourists during the snowfall season.

He said that the welfare of the force is the first priority and the field officers should hold regular Darbar to provide relief to the policemen.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2022