Islamabad: In a significant breakthrough for Pakistan’s efforts to apprehend long-time fugitives abroad, Spanish authorities have arrested two individuals wanted for serious crimes including terrorism, murder, and kidnapping for ransom. The arrests follow sustained diplomatic engagement by Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, who recently visited Spain to press for action on Interpol red notices issued against dozens of suspects.
Nawaz Ali Hanjrah, who is implicated in 23 criminal cases, and Haroon Iqbal, wanted in another major case, were apprehended in Spain on the basis of Interpol alerts. The two will be handed over to Pakistani authorities after completion of legal formalities.
Minister Chaudhry met with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska during his visit and formally requested the arrest and extradition of 38 Pakistani nationals who had been evading justice in Spain for years. In response, the Spanish Interior Minister ordered immediate action, resulting in the latest arrests.
Expressing gratitude for Spain’s cooperation, Minister Chaudhry voiced hope that other fugitives still at large in Spain would soon be captured and extradited to Pakistan.
