TAXILA: Three alleged hardened criminals wanted for various heinous crimes were apprehended in an injured condition following a shootout with a team from the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Attock during the early hours of Friday.

It was reported that another suspect escaped the scene, taking advantage of the darkness. Soon after the incident, senior police officers arrived at the scene and collected evidence. A case was registered on behalf of the state.

The spokesman stated that the CCD team, led by District Officer DSP Yasir Matloob Kiyani, along with Station House Officer Inspector Imran Haider, set up a checkpoint when the suspects, on foot, approached.

The team signalled them to stop, but they returned fire, which was then retaliated. After the firing ceased, police launched a search operation. During the search, the alleged gang leader, along with accomplices, was apprehended in an injured condition.

Police said weapons were also recovered from their possession. The suspects are reportedly involved in multiple cases, including drug trafficking, robbery, and motorcycle theft.

The spokesman added that one suspect involved in the firing managed to escape under the cover of darkness, and a search operation has been launched to arrest him. The injured suspects were transferred to the hospital for medical treatment, and further investigation is ongoing.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2026