57 encounters reported in 24 days across Gujranwala, Wazirabad

GUJRANWALA:

Police in Gujranwala and Wazirabad have reported 57 alleged encounters over the past 24 days, leaving 10 suspects dead and 55 others injured and arrested, as authorities intensify a sweeping crackdown on street crime, narcotics and violent offenders.

Police said the operations were carried out across 30 police stations, including 24 in Gujranwala and six in Wazirabad, under a grand campaign launched on the directives of City Police Officer (CPO) Dr Ghiyas Gul Khan.

Police said the crackdown targeted suspects allegedly involved in robbery, street crime, drug trafficking, theft and other serious offences.

Officials claimed the campaign has led to a significant reduction in crime, with authorities estimating an 80% decline in criminal activity across the region.

Over the last 24 days, police said 55 suspects involved in serious crimes, including armed robbery, narcotics distribution and highway muggings, were arrested in injured condition following alleged encounters.

Among those arrested were several suspects described by police as habitual offenders wanted in multiple criminal cases, including robbery, theft and narcotics-related offences. Police said 10 suspects were killed during separate encounters, including several individuals accused in rape, child abuse, robbery and murder cases.

Among the deceased were suspects identified as Umar Farooq, wanted in more than 30 robbery cases, Kashif alias Kashi Don, allegedly involved in over 30 incidents, and Suleman, described as a dangerous robber.

Police also claimed that Imran, accused of sexually assaulting his 13-year-old daughter and murdering his wife in 2018, was killed in an encounter. Another suspect, Liaqat Ali, accused of raping his minor daughter in Ferozewala, was also among those killed.

Other suspects killed included Zeeshan alias Yeshu, wanted in more than 30 criminal cases, Arsalan Shani, accused of kidnapping, trafficking and sexually assaulting minor girls, and Jamshed, allegedly involved in over 60 robbery cases.