Islamabad (Big Digit) Two Pakistani fugitives arrested in Spain on Interpol red notice: Interior Ministry

Islamabad, June 29, 2025 (Big Digit): Spanish authorities have arrested two Pakistani fugitives wanted in high-profile cases of terrorism, murder, and abduction for ransom, following the issuance of Interpol red notices, Pakistan’s Interior Ministry confirmed on Sunday.

The arrests were made as part of a growing collaboration between Pakistani and Spanish law enforcement agencies. The two individuals—Nawazish Ali Hunjra and Haroon Iqbal—had long been evading justice by taking refuge in Spain.

“Both individuals will be extradited to Pakistan after completion of legal formalities,” the Interior Ministry spokesperson said.

According to the statement, Nawazish Ali Hunjra is a proclaimed offender involved in at least 23 serious criminal cases, including terrorism, multiple murders, and kidnapping for ransom. Haroon Iqbal, the second detainee, is also facing multiple charges under Pakistan’s criminal and anti-terrorism laws.

The arrests come in the wake of a recent diplomatic visit by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry to Spain, where he met with Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. During the meetings, Chaudhry urged expedited action on red notices issued for dozens of fugitives residing in Spain.

In a statement issued following the arrests, Minister Talal Chaudhry thanked the Spanish government and its interior minister for their swift cooperation.

“This is a major step forward in our commitment to justice,” said Chaudhry. “The arrests of Nawazish Hunjra and Haroon Iqbal signal the beginning of a broader crackdown on criminals who flee Pakistan to escape accountability.”

Pakistan has sought the arrest and extradition of at least 38 fugitives currently believed to be residing in Spain. Many of them are implicated in serious terrorism and organized crime cases and have managed to evade justice for years by exploiting legal gaps and a lack of international enforcement coordination.

Officials are hopeful that Sunday’s development will lead to closer cooperation between Interpol member states and accelerated extradition processes in the future.

Legal proceedings are now underway to facilitate the transfer of the two fugitives back to Pakistan, where they will face trial under existing anti-terrorism and criminal justice laws.

This development is being hailed as a milestone in international law enforcement collaboration, reinforcing Pakistan’s resolve to track down and prosecute absconders, no matter where they hide.