ISLAMABAD: A man was arrested in a search operation around Chak Shahzad and photographs of schools in the capital and maps were recovered from his possession.

Officials close to the arrest told Dawn that the search operation was jointly conducted by police, Rangers and security agencies. Eight other men, natives of Waziristan, were arrested in the operation and weapons including submachine guns and pistols were recovered from their possession.

This was an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO), the officials said and added that the Afghan was arrested from a hostel in the area.

`Photographs of a number of schools and their maps were also recovered from him, along with letterheads and stamps of an NGO,` they said.

Officials said it appeared as if he was collecting information on private schools.

After the arrest the security agency took him to an undisclosed location, they added.

Officials said the possibility of his affiliation with a militant outfit cannot be ruled out.

`An ordinary person without nefarious intentions does not photograph schools in such large numbers and collect their maps, they added.

Superintendent of Police Rural Zone Shaikh Zubair, when contacted for comments on the arrest of the Afghan, denied the reports and said no such arrest was made.

Meanwhile, another person was also arrested for his alleged involvement in a terrorism activity in the capital.

Officials who discussed the arrest on the condition of anonymity showed reluctance in sharing details.

Police officials, including Inspector General of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, did respond to requests for comment.