RAWALPINDI: Security forces in Balochistan on Saturday averted a possible attack on a Muharram procession in Quetta, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). 

FC Balochistan recovered a car prepared as an improvised explosive device (IED) from the Pishin district of the Balochistan. 

ISPR added that the "mastermind and his two accomplices were arrested".

In Punjab, Rangers along with police carried out patrolling and flag marches in important areas of major cities, while the quick reaction forces have been deployed near sensitive areas. 

Extensive intelligence-based operations (IBOs) are being carried out in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, DG Khan, Lahore, Sialkot, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, said ISPR. 

During these operations, 27 suspects were apprehended and a cache of illegal weapons recovered.