Police in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan have rescued kidnapped victims and arrested hundreds of suspects during a large-scale crackdown against criminal networks across the province.
The operation was launched on March 10, 2026, under the directives of Inspector General of Police Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Rai, targeting wanted criminals, drug traffickers, absconders and other suspects involved in serious crimes.
According to a spokesperson for Balochistan Police, coordinated operations were carried out across all seven police ranges, including Quetta and several other districts.
During the operation, police arrested 718 suspects, including 295 absconders and 402 proclaimed offenders wanted in multiple criminal cases.
Officials said many of those detained were allegedly involved in crimes such as robbery, murder, kidnapping and other serious offences.
In a significant development, police teams also rescued 10 kidnapped individuals from criminal groups, bringing relief to their families.
Authorities recovered a large cache of weapons during the raids, including 122 pistols and revolvers, four Kalashnikov rifles, 594 rounds of ammunition and 91 magazines.
Police also recovered five stolen vehicles and 39 motorcycles believed to have been used in criminal activities.
As part of the anti-narcotics crackdown, 111 suspected drug dealers were arrested, and a large quantity of narcotics was seized.
The recovered drugs included 743.678 kilograms of hashish, 11.630 kilograms of ice and crystal meth, and 10.665 kilograms of opium, police officials said.
The spokesperson added that the ongoing campaign aims to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety across Balochistan.
Police authorities said operations will continue in different districts to ensure law and order and provide a safer environment for residents across the province.
