As many as nine terrorists belonging to outlawed Al-Qaeda and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been arrested in Punjab-wide intelligence-based operations launched by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

The terrorists were arrested from Lahore, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur.

The detained terrorists were identified as Abdur Rehman, Roed Khan, Ghulamullah, Ahmad Hassan, Jalil Ahmad, Imdadullah, Basit Ali and Junaid Ali.

Equipment for readying suicide vests, rocket charges, hand grenades and heavy quantity of weapons were recovered from the possession of the terrorists. 

Officials said the detained terrorists were plotting to carry out terror attacks in sensitive districts. Seven cases have been registered against them and their further interrogation was under way, said the officials.

They further divulged that in total 20 suspected were quizzed during the IBOs.

The officials further said that the CTD during the current week had arrested 91 suspects in 476 combing operations and 67 cases were lodged against them.

Reporter Irfan Malik