The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a young woman allegedly preparing for a suicide attack during an intelligence-based operation in the Sheikh Yousaf tent settlement area, officials said on Saturday.

According to a CTD spokesperson, the raid was carried out by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

During initial interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to having links with a banned outfit and said she had agreed to carry out a suicide attack. She claimed a suicide jacket and target were to be provided to her.

Police said a commando bag was recovered from the tent, containing a 30-bore pistol with ammunition, two mobile phones, a power bank and other items. The suspect was formally arrested and shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD team for the successful operation and announced a cash reward.

CTD officials stated that the woman hails from Waziristan and is allegedly associated with the outlawed group Fitna al-Khawarij.

She was described as a close aide to a militant commander identified as Shah Wali alias Tariq Kochi.

In her preliminary statement, she reportedly said she received training from the commander, while another militant identified as Asim was to provide the suicide vest and target.

Investigators also claimed to have recovered data from her mobile phones indicating contacts with the banned outfit and consent for a suicide mission.

The CTD said the operation had foiled a major terrorist plan and reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies would continue such actions to maintain peace and order.