The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday foiled a major terror plot by killing six terrorists in two separate operations in Punjab’s Taunsa Sharif and Bahawalpur regions.

According to a CTD spokesperson, five terrorists were gunned down during a targeted operation in a border village near Taunsa Sharif.

The operation was launched on a tip-off, during which the suspects opened fire on CTD personnel.

A heavy exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in the deaths of five militants. Four bodies were shifted to a hospital, while the sixth was taken away by fleeing terrorists.

The CTD further reported that five injured terrorists managed to escape into a nearby forest.

A large cache of weapons, including rifles, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades, and other explosive materials, was seized during the raid.

The identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained, and the search operation has been expanded with new check-posts established near Taunsa and Ruman to apprehend the fugitives.

In a separate joint operation in Bahawalpur, the CTD and Punjab Police neutralised another high-profile terrorist linked to the banned group Fitna Al Hindustan.

Three of his accomplices fled the scene amid an exchange of gunfire. Security forces recovered hand grenades and ammunition from the site.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lauded the successful operations, stating, “Terrorists of Fitna Al Hindustan have been sent to hell. We are proud of the professionalism displayed by our law enforcement agencies and will continue to pursue terrorists relentlessly.”

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also praised the performance of CTD and the police, saying, “The evil designs of the enemy have been crushed. Our forces remain alert and courageous on every front.”