The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) arrested a suspect wanted in 47 criminal cases after its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) identified a suspicious vehicle on the M-5 Motorway near Uch Sharif. Officials said the operation demonstrated the growing role of technology in strengthening law enforcement and improving highway security.
According to an NHMP spokesperson, the ITS detected the suspect’s vehicle through advanced cameras and automated monitoring technology. Immediately after receiving the alert, Motorway Police officers established a checkpoint to intercept the vehicle.
Technology Leads to Arrest
Instead of stopping, the suspect allegedly attempted to escape. However, officers pursued the vehicle and successfully arrested the driver after a brief chase.
Police identified the suspect as Arif Hussain, son of Ilahi Bakhsh and a resident of Rajanpur.
During the operation, officers recovered 10 solar inverters, two lithium batteries, Rs136,000 in cash, a pistol, 10 live rounds of ammunition, fake vehicle registration plates, and several stolen items. They also seized a Suzuki Mehran that investigators believe was used in criminal activities.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Criminal Record
Further verification showed that Arif Hussain was wanted in 47 serious criminal cases, including robbery and theft. Moreover, preliminary investigations linked him to an Rs8.5 million robbery reported in Hasilpur, Bahawalpur. Authorities said the recovered vehicle and stolen property were also connected to that case.
After the arrest, officials handed the suspect, seized vehicle, weapons, and recovered items to Uch Sharif Police Station and the Crime Control Department (CCD) Bahawalpur for further legal action.
Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said the successful operation highlighted the effectiveness of the Intelligent Transport System in supporting law enforcement through real-time surveillance and vehicle tracking. He added that modern technology, combined with coordinated policing, enables authorities to arrest wanted suspects more efficiently while recovering stolen property and strengthening public safety across the country’s motorway network.
