Drug smuggler, three accomplices killed in encounter

LALAMUSA: A 14-hour operation led by the Kharian police to apprehend the killers of Elite Force Constable Tariq Aziz ended with the deaths of drug smuggler Faisal Hanj, his nephew and two accomplices.

Reportedly, the violence began on December 16 when the police attempted to apprehend drug smuggler Faisal Hanj in the neighbouring village of Hanj. Faisal and his accomplices attacked the police with heavy gunfire, resulting in the martyrdom of Constable Tariq Aziz and injuries to Aamir Shahzad. This attack marked the beginning of a high-stakes pursuit. Under the supervision of DSP Kharian Irfan Safdar and the elite force in charge of Hafiz Waqar, police searched for Faisal and his gang.

Authorities set fire to Faisal’s vehicle, but the undeterred accused used a loudspeaker to taunt the police. In response, law enforcers sealed all entrances and exits to Hanj village, warning residents to remain indoors as the operation intensified. The standoff escalated when the accused and his accomplices opened fire with heavy weapons, prompting police to take quick action. As the situation worsened, the police employed hand grenades to subdue the armed suspects.

At around 2am, electricity to the area was cut off to disorient the accused. In a final coordinated effort, the police targeted the suspects’ hideout with grenades to neutralise them. The operation concluded with the deaths of Faisal Hanj, his nephew, and two accomplices.