11 members of DG Khan's Ladi gang surrender

Second faction lays down arms two weeks after gang chief's surrender

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Eleven members of the Muawiya Chakrani group, a faction of the notorious Ladi gang operating in the Koh-e-Suleman region, have voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement authorities along with their weapons, in what officials described as another major breakthrough in efforts to restore peace in southern Punjab.

The surrender comes nearly two weeks after the gang's alleged chief, Ibrahim Ladi, and eight of his associates laid down their arms.

Officials said more members of criminal groups are expected to surrender in the coming days.

A surrender ceremony was held at Kot Mubarak Police Station, where District Police Officer (DPO) Sadiq Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid and Border Military Police Commandant Amir Taimur were present.

According to police, the 11 men were wanted in multiple cases involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, highway robbery and kidnapping for ransom.

The surrendered individuals were identified as Muawiya, Muhammad Qasim, Shehzad, Bilal, Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Yaqoob, Muhammad Musa, Ghulam Mustafa, Muhammad Younis, Muhammad Haroon and Muhammad Ramzan.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid said the Punjab government's objective, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, was to eliminate crime and establish lasting peace across the province.

He said the surrendered suspects would face the legal proceedings pending against them in the courts, adding that the government would facilitate their reintegration into society within the framework of the law.

"The establishment of sustainable peace will accelerate development in the region, improve the delivery of public services and ensure development funds are utilised for the area's progress," he said.

DPO Sadiq Baloch said law enforcement agencies would provide all legal assistance required under the law to the surrendered individuals while continuing their operations against criminal elements. He credited the surrender to the coordinated efforts of police, the district administration and other law enforcement and security agencies, saying the development would help pave the way for peace and economic development in the region.