A wanted prisoner accused of murder and kidnapping cases who escaped from Malir Jail in Karachi earlier this month has been rearrested in a joint operation by law enforcement agencies, officials said on Thursday.

Tahir Naveed, also known as “Polka”, was arrested near Landhi Railway Station during a raid conducted by the Federal Intelligence Agency, Shah Latif Police and Prison Police acting on a tip-off, according to prison police officials.

Officials at the scene identified the suspect following the arrest, prison police said.

Naveed had escaped from Malir Jail on May 9, 2026, allegedly disguising himself as a guest during a function held inside the prison, police said.

Police said Naveed was also involved in the murder case of senior journalist Wali Babar and had been imprisoned in connection with serious murder and kidnapping cases. Cases against him had also been registered at Joharabad and Shah Latif Town police stations, they added.

Following his arrest, the accused was shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

Sindh Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari said no one could evade the law and that state institutions were fully mobilised to protect the public.

“The circle around criminal elements is being further tightened through joint operations,” he said.