At least 13 alleged terrorists have been arrested by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Punjab during intelligence-based operations across the province, officials said on Saturday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, a total of 58 intelligence-based operations were carried out in Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang, Chiniot, and Mianwali.

During the operations, a high-profile militant linked to the Fitna Al Khawarij group was arrested in Lahore, officials said.

The officials said that the suspect belonged to the former tribal areas.

Explosives, including an improvised explosive device (IED), four detonators, eight safety fuse wires, and 15 feet of coil were recovered during the raids.

Authorities also seized stickers, literature of the banned organisations, and cash from the suspects.

The arrested individuals were identified as Mukhtar Ahmed, Younus, Feroz Khan, Wali, Owais, Farman, Momin, Adnan, Raja Faisal, Raza Khan, Ghulam Shabbir, Rao Sajid, and Mukhtar Shah.

Officials said the detained suspects were allegedly planning to target offices of law enforcement agencies.

The CTD further stated that 1,487 combing operations were conducted across Punjab during the current week, during which 53,335 individuals were questioned, and 168 suspects were detained.

The department said it is committed to its goal of a “safe Punjab” and is determined to eliminate terrorism from the province.