Two of Pakistan’s most sought -after refugees charged with terrorism, murder and kidnapping have been arrested in Spain, officials said, marking a significant breakthrough in Islamabad’s efforts to understand high profiled criminals.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of the Interior, the arrests are the result of sustained coordination between Pakistani and Spanish authorities initiated under Minister Talal Chaudhry’s recent visit to Spain.
The suspected, long Absconders from Pakistan will be handed over to Pakistani authorities after completing the necessary legal procedures.
The two arrested individuals, Nawazish Ali Hanjra and Haroon Iqbal, were detained according to Interpol Red messages. Hanjra faces 23 cases involving serious charges such as terrorism, murder and kidnapping for ransom, while Iqbal is in demand in a separate criminal investigation.
During his official visit, Chaudhry met with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and called for a quick action for the arrest and extradition of Pakistani refugees residing in Spain.
After these discussions, Spanish authorities immediately issued directives that led to the arrests.
Pakistan has been pursuing the extradition of 38 wanted individuals from Spain through Interpol for several years. The recent arrests mark a positive step in this ongoing effort.
The Minister expressed gratitude to his Spanish counterpart to the cooperation.
