Spanish authorities have arrested two fugitives wanted in Pakistan for terrorism, murder and kidnapping for ransom. The arrests came after Interpol issued red notices, the interior ministry confirmed on Sunday.
According to the spokesperson, the fugitives will be extradited to Pakistan after completing legal requirements. One of those arrested, Nawazish Ali Hunjra, was wanted in 23 serious cases including terrorism, murder and kidnapping for ransom.
The other arrested fugitive was Haroon Iqbal, who was also wanted by Pakistani authorities in several cases, the ministry said in a statement.
The development comes after the recent visit of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to Spain, where he met his counterpart Fernando Grande Marlasca. During the meeting, Chaudhry requested the execution of red notices issued against dozens of suspects.
Commenting on the development, Minister Talal Chaudhry thanked the Spanish government and Interior Minister Marlasca for their timely action and cooperation.
He expressed confidence that this success is the beginning of a wider operation against fugitives who flee abroad to avoid legal proceedings in Pakistan.
“This is a major step towards the delivery of justice. I am grateful to the Spanish authorities for understanding the seriousness of the matter and taking prompt action. We hope that the remaining fugitives will also be arrested and extradited soon,” he said.
Legal proceedings are underway to extradite the arrested to Pakistan, where they will be tried under anti-terrorism and criminal laws.
It should be noted that Pakistan has been trying for a long time to arrest and extradite 38 fugitives in Spain, most of whom are wanted in serious crimes and terrorism cases.
