Major Security Operations Across Punjab
Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) announced on Monday the arrest of twelve suspected terrorists in a series of raids across major cities in Punjab province. The agency alleges the suspects are linked to India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Weapons and Intelligence Recovered
According to a CTD spokesperson, operations in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur led to the arrests. Security forces recovered weapons, explosives, and detonators from the suspects. Officials also seized photos and videos allegedly containing surveillance footage of sensitive locations and institutions, including a religious seminary and a local festival.
Suspects and Alleged Network
The CTD identified the arrested individuals and described them as members of a group called “Fitna al-Hindustan.” The spokesperson claimed the suspects were receiving “heavy funding” from RAW to organize terrorist activities within Pakistan. The investigation reportedly uncovered a connection via a Facebook ID operated from India.
One suspect, Sukh Deep Singh from Lahore, was noted by authorities as a convert from Christianity. Cases have been registered against all individuals, and the investigation is ongoing.
Context of Regional Tensions
This development follows recent accusations from Pakistani ministers regarding alleged Indian espionage activities. Last month, officials claimed to have arrested a fisherman who was purportedly coerced by Indian authorities to spy on Pakistani military installations.
The arrests underscore the persistent allegations of covert interference that fuel tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, though Indian authorities have consistently denied such involvement in the past.
