LAHORE: In the ongoing crackdown on fugitive proclaimed offenders, the Punjab police arrested three more proclaimed offenders from Muscat, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and brought them to Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the Punjab police said the special operation cell of the Gujranwala police arrested Altaf Hussain from Saudi Arabia in a murder case.

Similarly, Ghayoor Abbas Naqvi wanted by Bhalwal police in a murder case was arrested from Muscat, Oman, while Shahbaz who was wanted to Rawalpindi Bani police station was arrested from the United Arab Emirates.

The three suspects were arrested with the help and cooperation of the Interpol and further legal action is underway against them.Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar directed the field police officers to pursue more proclaimed offenders who had escaped Pakistan and arrest them in coordination with the Interpol and the FIA.

He directed them to get the passports of the proclaimed offenders cancelled.

Dr Usman said the Punjab police had so far arrested 31 proclaimed offenders from various countries, including America, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Muscat, Gulf countries and South Africa during a crackdown launched against them on Jan 24.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2023