Lahore: In a concerted effort to enhance security across Punjab, the provincial police have significantly intensified their crackdown against criminal elements, resulting in the arrest of nearly 200,000 individuals wanted in connection with various heinous crimes.

According to Punjab Police, this rigorous operation aligns with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a Safe Punjab.

The crackdown has led to the arrest of 119,961 proclaimed offenders throughout the province this year, with 21,701 classified under category A and 98,620 under category B. Additionally, the police have detained 59,569 court absconders, which include 5,800 from category A and 54,169 from category B. Furthermore, 31,574 target offenders, identified as habitual criminals, have been apprehended, comprising 13,000 from category A and 18,474 from category B.

In a notable aspect of the operation, 91 criminals wanted for heinous crimes were apprehended abroad and brought back to Pakistan. In Lahore, the provincial capital, 61,000 dangerous criminals were arrested, including 23,950 proclaimed offenders, 24,770 judicial fugitives, and 12,278 target offenders.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has commended the police teams for their successful operations and has directed them to further accelerate the crackdown. He emphasized the importance of completing investigations effectively and ensuring that criminals receive appropriate punishments. Dr. Anwar also instructed that regional police officers (RPOs), district police officers (DPOs), and other officials should personally oversee the crackdown and targeted operations against dangerous criminals.