Lahore, August 1, 2026 : In one of Pakistan’s largest counter-terrorism operations in recent months, security agencies have arrested 54 suspected terrorists linked to multiple banned extremist organisations during an extensive crackdown across Punjab province.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab Police’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday, authorities carried out 419 intelligence-based operations across various districts over the past two months in response to heightened terrorism threats and intelligence inputs.
The CTD stated that the arrested suspects are affiliated with several outlawed terrorist organisations, including Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Sipah-e-Sahaba. Officials said the operation was aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, preventing planned attacks, and strengthening internal security across the province.
The arrests were made from multiple districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Pakpattan, and Bahawalpur, highlighting the widespread nature of the counter-terror campaign.
During the operations, security personnel recovered a significant cache of explosives and terror-related materials, including:
- 12 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- 42 detonators
- 98 feet of safety fuse wire
- Banned literature and stickers
- Cash and other incriminating material
The CTD confirmed that investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the terror networks, trace funding sources, and uncover any wider plots linked to the arrested suspects. Officials emphasized that intelligence-led operations will continue across Punjab to eliminate extremist elements and maintain public safety.
