The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab on Monday announced the arrest of 12 individuals purportedly linked to the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons, explosives and other materials. CTD officials said the suspects were planning a campaign of fear and sectarian violence across the province.
Authorities confiscated seven IEDs, two detonators, dozens of feet of safety-fuse wire, multiple firearms, mobile phones, cash, and other incriminating evidence. Also recovered were photographs, video recordings, and location data of sensitive sites and public institutions — including a madrassa and a local fair — allegedly collected to facilitate terror activities.
The arrested individuals include Deep Singh, Azmat, Faizan, Nabeel Ibrar, and Usman Sarfraz from Lahore, as well as Danish from Faisalabad. In addition, four suspects identified as part of a group named “Fitna-e-Hindustan” — Raja, Hashim, Saqib, and Arif — were detained in Bahawalpur.
The CTD further claimed that the operation had identifiable links to an Indian-based Facebook account, reportedly operated by RAW, which was used to coordinate planning and funding. A senior CTD official said this amounted to a “serious cross-border conspiracy aimed at destabilising Punjab’s law and order,” and added that further investigations and prosecutions are underway.
The raid and arrests mark the latest in a series of intensified counterterrorism efforts amid rising concerns over domestic security and alleged foreign interference in militant activities.
