MIANWALI – In a significant breakthrough, police authorities have arrested 17 fugitives wanted in serious criminal cases, following the issuance of Red Warrants. An additional 128 fugitives have been successfully traced abroad and are expected to be repatriated in the coming weeks.
The crackdown, spearheaded by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dr. Shehzad Asif Khan of the Sargodha Division, specifically targeted individuals wanted under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code for murder and other heinous crimes. The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Interpol, and the Sargodha Division’s Special Operations Cell.
Among the high-profile arrests was that of Nawazish Ali Hanjra, alias Phallu, a proclaimed offender apprehended in Spain through Interpol’s efforts. Repatriation procedures are currently in progress.
RPO Khan reiterated the department’s firm commitment to justice, stating, “No criminal will be allowed to escape the law, no matter where they flee.” He praised the coordination between national and international law enforcement bodies.
One major case resolved during the campaign involved the arrest of Rustam Khan, accused of murdering Muhammad Waris Khan in Khuduzai, Mianwali, in November 2024. Acting on a red warrant issued after concerns were raised by the victim’s family in an open court session, Mianwali Police—with assistance from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police—tracked and arrested the accused, recovering a Kalashnikov rifle used in the murder.
The victim’s family expressed appreciation for the swift action, publicly honoring the police officers with turbans and garlands. District Police Officer (DPO) Mianwali also announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for the officers involved.
Authorities expect more fugitive repatriations to take place in the near future.
