At least four militants were killed in a shootout with paramilitary troops in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Thursday, local media reported.
Dawn News said the militants were planning to launch an attack on Independence Day celebrations on August 14 in the city.
Pakistan Rangers conducted a search operation in Manghopir area of Karachi, capital city of Sindh province, on an intelligence tip-off.
The terrorists opened fire at the troops when being cordoned, triggering the shootout.
The Rangers spokesperson said they recovered weapons from the hideout of the suspected militants.
The forces continued operation in other areas of the city following the incident.
--IANS
ahm/dg