Police in Pakistan claimed to have thwarted a terrorist attack planned on the upcoming Defence Day and said on Monday they have arrested three Islamic State militants in Punjab province. Muhammad Iqbal, Usman Zia and Hasnain Muavia had plans to target an event on the Defence Day in Multan on Thursday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police said. On the Defence Day, Pakistan marks the anniversary of the 1965 war with India by holding nationwide ceremonies and special prayers.
A CTD official said that the three terrorists were arrested during a raid near Basti Shorkot in Multan, some 350 kms from here.
The CTD personnel acting on intelligence information raided a house on the outskirts of Multan city and arrested the three suspects. “Four hand grenades, explosive material and other weapons have also been recovered from their possesision,” he said.