The Punjab government has announced bounties on the heads of criminals wanted in serious cases, thereby tightening the noose on fugitives.
In a bid to capture individuals involved in terrorism, targeted killings, sectarian violence, explosives trafficking, crime facilitation, kidnapping for ransom and murder, the government has placed a bounty on the heads of 130 criminals sought across the province.
The decision follows approval from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office, with the amount of bounty varying depending on the seriousness of the crimes.
The government has fixed rewards ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 1 crore, depending on the nature of crimes committed by these fugitives.
These include criminals involved in bombings, targeted killings and the use of explosive materials.
Among the most notable cases, bounties for criminals involved in targeted killings, bombings and other serious crimes have been significantly increased.
For example, the bounty on the head of Murid Hussain, involved in targeted killings, was increased from Rs200,000 to Rs.2.5 million, and that of Mohammad Safdar, also a targeted killer, was increased from Rs500,000 lakh to Rs 4 million.
Similarly, the reward for criminals involved in the attacks, like Saad Munir Dar and Mohammad Ijaz, was increased to Rs2.5 million.
The government also increased rewards for those involved in serious bombings, targeted killings and violent attacks in various regions.
For example, the bounty given to criminals involved in bombings of city churches and other places has been increased to Rs 4 million.
The provincial government has appointed a committee headed by Punjab Law Minister Malik Sohib Ahmed Bharth to oversee the distribution of the awards.
The committee also includes key officials from the Interior Ministry, prosecutor’s office and police services.
Rewards will be distributed to police teams and individuals who provide information or assistance leading to the capture of these criminals.
The provincial government is committed to continually monitoring the progress of these efforts and taking decisive action to ensure the safety and security of the public.
Minister Bharth emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring peace and security in the province and is taking historic steps to improve law and order.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the role of the public in catching such criminals, thereby ensuring a safer environment for the people of Punjab.
