Punjab CTD Arrests 13 Suspects, Claims RAW-Linked Operative Held in Pakpattan

LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department has arrested 13 suspected militants during 98 intelligence-based operations across the province, including a man detained in Pakpattan whom authorities allege is linked to India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

The CTD identified the Pakpattan suspect as Wajid, while several other detainees were identified as Usman, Naeem, Abdul Manan, Osama, Hassan and Babar.

Authorities said explosive material and other items were recovered from the suspects during the intelligence-led operations.

The recovered material included one hand grenade, three improvised explosive devices, 12 detonators and 35 feet of fuse wire.

The CTD said 13 cases had been registered against the detained suspects and further investigations were underway.

The department also released details of wider security activity carried out across Punjab during the week.

A total of 1,595 combing operations were conducted across the province, during which authorities checked 55,416 people.

Fifty-two suspects were detained during those combing operations.

The CTD said the intelligence-based operations formed part of its continuing campaign against militant threats and other security risks across Punjab.

Pakpattan has seen other counterterrorism operations in recent weeks. In September, CTD officials reported arresting a man identified as Wajid Ali near New Ghala Mandi and alleged that he had links to RAW. Explosive material and components used in improvised explosive devices were reported recovered during that operation.

The allegation of a connection between the Pakpattan suspect and RAW is a claim made by Pakistani counterterrorism authorities. No independently verified evidence establishing the alleged intelligence link has been publicly presented.

India has previously rejected Pakistani allegations that its intelligence services sponsor militant activity inside Pakistan.

Investigations into the latest arrests remain underway, and authorities have not yet publicly released complete details of the evidence or charges against each of the 13 suspects.