511 search and strike operations conducted in Malakand Division in 20 days

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand Division Zahid Nawaz Marwat has said that police have prepared a comprehensive plan

SWAT:  Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand Division Zahid Nawaz Marwat has said that police have prepared a comprehensive plan to maintain law and order, fight terrorism, control drug trafficking and address traffic problems across the division.
Speaking to the media in Swat, he said that police conducted 511 search and strike operations across Malakand Division from October 11 to 31. During these operations, 21 wanted criminals were arrested and 4,369 suspected individuals were questioned. Police also recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives.

The RPO said that police across all districts of Malakand Division were actively working to protect people’s lives and property and maintain peace.
He said that during the search operations, police recovered 285 weapons, 5,001 rounds of ammunition and around 2,400 units of explosive material.

Zahid Nawaz Marwat further said that 28 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were carried out across the division, during which 24 suspected individuals were taken into custody.
He added that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Swat conducted several operations in which three militants were killed and seven others were arrested. Hand grenades, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other weapons were also recovered.
According to the RPO, three militants identified as Ghufranullah, Abdullah and Mansoor were killed during an intelligence-based operation in the jurisdiction of Kanju Police Station.

He said that police were preparing for further major operations against militants to eliminate terrorism from the region. “This time, we will go after the terrorists,” he said, adding that police would take action against their hideouts and networks.
Talking about the campaign against drugs, the RPO said that police had registered 764 cases and arrested 765 suspects involved in drug-related activities across Malakand Division.

During these operations, police recovered more than 364 kilograms of hashish, five kilograms of ice (crystal meth), one kilogram of opium and 399 litres of liquor.
He said that the campaign would be further strengthened to protect young people from drug addiction.
Regarding illegal weapons, the RPO said that police recovered 364 pistols, 19 submachine guns (SMGs), 15 rifles and 7,131 rounds of ammunition during October. He added that action against illegal weapons and other unlawful activities was continuing.

On traffic management, Zahid Nawaz Marwat said that police had launched a special campaign to ensure the implementation of traffic laws across the division. So far, fines worth more than Rs9.8 million had been imposed for traffic violations.
He said that 3,688 challans were issued for using tinted vehicle windows, while black papers were removed from 4,580 vehicles. Police also issued 1,600 challans against underage drivers and registered 39 cases against individuals involved in one-wheeling.
The RPO further said that 382 people were arrested for violating Section 144, while 133 others were arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO).

He said that police were also taking action against illegal number plates, tinted windows and other violations. The aim was not only to impose fines but also to promote respect for the law and improve discipline on roads.
Commenting on Afghan nationals living in the region, Marwat said that police were collecting data on Afghan nationals residing in Malakand Division. He made it clear that there was no place for those staying in the region illegally and that action would be taken in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The RPO also announced plans to appoint police assistance personnel at police stations to make police services more accessible to the public and ensure the timely resolution of citizens’ complaints.
He said that Rs643,000 had also been provided to improve mess facilities for police personnel in Shangla district.

Zahid Nawaz Marwat said that police operations against terrorism, drug trafficking and other crimes would be further intensified. He added that protecting the lives and property of the people remained the top priority of Malakand police.