'Gangster' killed, abducted victim rescued

Suspect wanted in multiple terror, kidnapping & murder cases killed alongside father

HARIPUR:

Haripur police say they have killed an alleged gang leader and rescued an abducted woman in a joint operation with the Attock Crime Control Department.

Haripur District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Gandapur, during a press briefing, said alleged Cobra Gang 777 leader and proclaimed offender Malik Zarghamullah and his father were killed in the joint operation. Police said Zargham was wanted in several serious cases, including kidnapping for ransom, terrorism, robbery, target killing, sexual assault and extortion.

Police said Zargham was also wanted in the murder of prominent Attock journalist Arshad Jafri on December 28, 2022.

A case had been registered at Saddar Police Station, Attock, under Sections 7 ATA, 21-1, 6-2(k), 7, 302, 324, 34, 109 and 15AA. Police further said that on July 14, 2026, the suspect allegedly abducted Mishal Zamir, daughter of Zamir Ahmed, from the limits of City Police Station, Attock, and demanded Rs50 million in ransom. A case under Section 365-A had been registered against him.

The DPO said Haripur Police had been conducting a search operation after receiving information that the suspect and the abducted woman were present in Haripur.

Addressing a press conference at City Police Station alongside senior police officers, the recovered victim's father and other family members, he said a joint targeted operation was launched at 5pm on July 29 in the Dhanda Bypass area near Chungi No. 3, Chhohar Road, within the limits of Khalabat Police Station, by Haripur Police, CCD Attock and the Rapid Response Force (RRF).

According to police, Zargham and his accomplices opened fire on the police teams with the intention of avoiding arrest.

The exchange of fire continued for more than two hours. Police took cover and continued the operation after receiving information that the suspects had taken refuge in a residential house where their family was living and where the abducted woman was also believed to be present.

Police said the area was completely cordoned off to ensure the safety of residents. They also ensured the protection of women and children inside the house, including the suspect's wife, mother, sister-in-law, sister and several young children, while continuing the operation in what officials described as a careful and professional manner.

Police alleged the suspects used their own family members as cover while continuing to fire.