ISLAMABAD, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Pakistani police has arrested 21 suspected terrorists linked to proscribed outfits during intelligence-based operations across the eastern Punjab province, officials said on Saturday.

The arrests were made during 214 coordinated raids in several districts, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur, a CTD spokesperson said.

Authorities said the suspects were planning attacks at different locations to spread fear among the public.

During the operations, security forces recovered more than 6 kg of explosives, 17 detonators, a safety fuse wire, an improvised explosive device, as well as pamphlets of banned organizations, mobile phones and cash.

Police have registered 20 cases against the arrested individuals, and further investigations are underway.

Officials reiterated that operations against militant networks would continue to ensure public safety. ■