Police deny constable’s release linked to prisoner exchange

The police on Monday vehemently denied allegations that the release of constable Ahmed Nawaz, who was freed from captivity in the kutcha area, was tied to a supposed deal involving the release of a convicted criminal, Abdul Jabbar Lolai.

Rahim Yar Khan DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal dismissed reports suggesting that Nawaz’s recovery was part of a quid pro quo arrangement.

“Such claims are baseless and misleading,” the DPO said, clarifying that Abdul Jabbar Lolai’s release from prison was in accordance with a lawful judicial process and bore no connection to the police operation that led to Nawaz’s safe return.

Lolai, who was convicted under case number 268/21 for a murder charge under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and was serving a life sentence, was granted release by an additional sessions judge on June 27, 2024, following the acceptance of his appeal by the high court on May 23, 2024.

DPO Gondal clarified that Lolai had also been involved in two other cases (case numbers 387/21 and 649/21) for which he had been granted bail, and that his release was purely a judicial decision.

The police further said that the recovery of constable Nawaz was a testament to its operational success, independent of any external influence.