LAHORE: As law enforcement agencies are gearing up security for the forthcoming month of Muharram, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed on Tuesday to have thwarted a major terror plot by arresting a terrorist from Lahore railway station.
A CTD spokesperson said they had received credible information that an alleged terrorist belonging to proscribed outfit Hizbul Ahrar, an offshoot of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was waiting to receive a suicide bomber at the railway station.
Meanwhile, the CTD carried out a secret operation and arrested Liaqat Khan, who was waiting for the alleged bomber by carrying explosive material. The spokesperson claimed that both Liaqat and his accomplice, who is unknown and yet to be arrested, were planning to attack sensitive installations of the law enforcement agencies.
He said the CTD recovered a suicide jacket, two hand grenades and a 30-bore pistol along with six live bullets from the possession of Khan. He added that the alleged terrorist had been shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation while the law enforcers were conducting raids for the arrest of his accomplice.
"Investigation is under way after registration of an FIR at the Lahore CTD police station. It was a dangerous terrorism plan which has been defeated today. Important disclosures are expected," concluded the spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the city police put security arrangements on high-alert in the provincial capital and announced to depute over 15,000 police officers, including volunteers, for the security of Muharram-ul-Haram.
As per the security plan, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Ashfaq Khan said that a total of 15,000 cops including 12 SPs, 34 DSPs and 83 sub-inspectors will provide security cover to 5,235 Majalis and 650 mourning processions in Lahore.
Keeping in view the sensitivity of the situation, the DIG said they have put 610 Majalis under category A, followed by 3,471 under category B and 1,154 under category C. Similarly, 143 mourning processions have been placed under category A, while 499 under B and 58 under C, he added.
The senior police officer said that the city police were currently imparting security training to over 1,000 police volunteers who would be deputed for the physical checking of the believers at Majalis and mourning processions. He added that literature based on religious hatred, controversial speeches and wall-chocking would strictly be prohibited.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020