Foreign Nationals, Including Chinese Citizens, Among Intended Targets; Muharram Rally in Punjab Averted

LAHORE: In a significant security operation, Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has thwarted a major terrorist attack by apprehending ten suspected terrorists who were allegedly planning to target foreigners, including Chinese nationals, and disrupt a Muharram rally in Punjab province.

The Arrests were made during intelligence-based operations carried out by the CTD in various districts, including Lahore, Attock, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

In an official statement, the CTD emphasized, "Punjab Police averted a major terrorist attack on foreign nationals, including Chinese nationals, by arresting ten suspected terrorists belonging to banned outfits."

According to the statement, the detained suspects have links to banned organizations, including Tehreek Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Daesh (ISIS), Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, and Lashkar Jhangvi (LEJ).

During the operations, law enforcement authorities managed to seize a significant cache of weapons and explosives from the possession of the arrested individuals. The recovered items include six hand grenades, one improvised explosive device (IED), 893 grams of explosives, seven detonators, and literature associated with banned organizations.

The potential targets of the terrorist plot were not limited to the Muharram rally alone. The attackers also aimed to strike at critical institutions, religious places, and foreign nationals residing in the region. To further investigate the matter and gather vital intelligence, the suspects have been taken to undisclosed locations for questioning.

Security measures have been intensified across the province in light of the thwarted attack. Authorities remain on high alert to prevent any further attempts of violence and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and foreign nationals.