Lahore police arrested a suspected RAW operative named Mujtaba on Sunday, January 18, 2026, a major terror plot foiled in Lahore. The Counter Terrorism Department recovered explosives and maps from him, targeting key sites. This came amid 425 operations that netted 49 suspects province-wide.
The arrests highlight escalating security threats in Punjab, a region central to Pakistan’s stability. With links to banned groups and foreign agencies, such incidents underscore tensions in South Asia, where cross-border allegations often strain relations between Pakistan and India.
CTD Foils Terror Plot in Punjab Crackdown
Punjab CTD arrests included Mujtaba, detained in Lahore during an intelligence-based raid. Officials recovered a large quantity of explosives and maps of important buildings from his possession. These items indicated plans to strike sensitive installations in multiple cities.
The CTD spokesperson stated that the department executed 425 intelligence-based operations across Punjab. They questioned 427 suspects and arrested 49 for terrorism-related activities. Weapons, explosives, and prohibited materials were seized.
Among the recovered items were 16,480 grams of explosives, two hand grenades, 36 detonators, 58 feet of safety fuse wire, six IED bombs, pamphlets from banned organisations, SIM cards, mobile phones, and cash.
Arrests occurred in districts such as Lahore, Sahiwal, Rawalpindi, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Jhelum, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Pakpattan, Khushab, Okara, Attock, Sheikhupura, and Vehari.
The suspects include Shaukat, Naveed, Abdul Rehman, Amjad, Shahid, Abrar, Danish Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Jamil-ur-Rehman, Ehsanullah, Nader, Waqas, Hasnain, Farooq, Jamshed, and Awlad Khan. They have ties to Fitna-ul-Khawarij and other banned outfits.
The CTD spokesperson said: “The suspects had planned attacks on important buildings in different cities.” He added that 44 cases were registered against the arrested individuals. Further investigation aims to uncover networks and facilitators.
This operation follows a month-long crackdown to preempt terrorist activity. Separately, CTD conducted 6,131 combing operations, checking 243,546 individuals. This led to 599 arrests, 568 FIRs, and 477 recoveries.
Punjab CTD Arrests RAW Agent Mujtaba
Focus on RAW agent Mujtaba reveals foreign involvement claims. Arrested in Lahore, he allegedly operated for India’s Research and Analysis Wing. Explosives and maps point to coordinated strikes.
The CTD spokesperson reaffirmed commitment to security. “The department was working to ensure a safe Punjab and would continue action against terrorists and anti-state elements,” he said. Citizens were urged to report suspicious activity to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.
Such claims of Indian involvement are not new. Pakistan has accused RAW of backing unrest in the past. India denies these allegations. This arrest adds to diplomatic friction in South Asia.
Security experts note that Punjab’s location makes it a hotspot for such plots. Bordering India, the province sees frequent intelligence operations. The terror plot foiled in Lahore could have caused significant damage if executed.
Background on Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Punjab CTD has intensified operations since its formation in 2010. Originally the Criminal Investigation Department, it rebranded to focus on terrorism. The department handles threats from banned groups and foreign agents.
In recent years, CTD foils terror plots regularly. For instance, in June 2025, CTD arrested six suspected RAW facilitators in Lahore. That operation uncovered sophisticated links.
Fitna-ul-Khawarij, linked to some arrests, is a splinter group from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. It targets state institutions. Other banned organisations include Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, though not directly named here.
South Asia’s security landscape involves ongoing India-Pakistan rivalry. Accusations of espionage and support for militants persist. The United Nations and regional bodies monitor these tensions.
Pakistan’s government invests in counter-terrorism. Annual budgets allocate billions in PKR for equipment and training. CTD Punjab receives advanced tools for surveillance and raids.
Public awareness campaigns complement operations. Helplines like 0800-11111 encourage tips. Community policing helps gather intelligence.
This latest CTD foils terror plot amid rising incidents. In 2025, Punjab reported over 100 arrests related to terrorism. Data from government reports show a 20% increase in operations.
What’s Next in Investigation
Authorities expect more revelations from interrogations. The CTD spokesperson indicated probes into facilitators. Possible links to broader networks could lead to additional Punjab CTD arrests.
Diplomatic responses may follow. Pakistan might raise the issue with India through back channels. International observers could seek verification.
Security measures will likely tighten in Lahore and other cities. Checkpoints and patrols may increase. Citizens should remain vigilant.
The terror plot foiled Lahore serves as a reminder of persistent threats. Ongoing efforts by CTD aim to maintain peace in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 18th, 2026
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