Punjab Counter Terrorism Department killed five militants during an intelligence-based operation near Attock today.

According to a spokesperson for the CTD, the militants, affiliated with Fitna Al-Khawarij, had allegedly finalized plans to carry out attacks in various areas of Punjab.

The CTD also recovered a cache of weapons and explosives from the possession of the slain militants, including a suicide jacket, hand grenades, and explosive material.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Counter Terrorism Department for carrying out a successful operation against terrorists.

In their separate statements, they lauded the professionalism and courage of CTD personnel for their action against the terrorists and described it as an important step towards safeguarding national security.