The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab has intensified its operations across the province in response to intelligence reports suggesting possible terror threats, a spokesperson said on Saturday.

According to the CTD, 386 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were carried out in various cities across the province over the past month, resulting in the arrest of 18 suspected terrorists.

The operations were conducted in Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Khushab, Bahawalpur, and Toba Tek Singh, among other cities.

Officials said a key member of a banned militant outfit was among those arrested, and explosives, IEDs, detonators, and cash were recovered from their possession.

A CTD spokesperson said one of the detained suspects had finalised plans for a terrorist attack in an urban centre of Punjab.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammed Kareem, Ali Raza, Mohammed Aziz, Mohammed Ali, Hashim, Noorul Amin, Saleem, and Saddam.

CTD officials said a banned group intended to carry out attacks to spread fear and panic.

Meanwhile, during this month alone, the department conducted 4,601 combing operations across Punjab, questioning over 109,000 individuals and arresting 320 suspects, the spokesperson added.