ISLAMABAD, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces Sunday arrested eight militants suspected links with Taliban and recovered explosives and bomb-making materials from them, officials said.

    The suspects, arrested in a prompt raid on a house in eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, had planned terrorist attacks in the city, said police officer Malik Muhamamd Iqbal, while addressing newsmen in Lahore.

    Iqbal said the suspects belong to a banned group linked to Taliban but did not name the organization, the private News Network International news agency reported.

    The Pakistani government had announced one million rupees (about 16,666 U.S. dollars) reward for information leading to the arrest of Safeer Ahmed, leader of the group, who were allegedly involved in terrorist activities, according to Iqbal.

    By arresting the eight suspects, the authorities have foiled their "terrorist activities" plan and saved Lahore from a major disaster, the official said, adding that important disclosures are expected from the interrogation process.