Punjab’s notorious cannibal brothers released after completing prison terms

BHAKKAR: Two brothers from Punjab's Bhakkar district, whose cannibalism case shocked the country more than a decade ago, have reportedly been released after completing their prison sentences.

Muhammad Arif and Farman Ali, residents of Kalam Kalan village in Darya Khan, were convicted in one of Pakistan's most disturbing criminal cases involving the exhumation of bodies from graves and acts of cannibalism.

The brothers were first arrested in 2011 and released in 2013 after serving their sentence. However, they were arrested again in 2014 following another grave desecration case involving a newborn child.

After their second conviction, they were sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison. Their reported release comes after completing that sentence.

Despite being freed, the brothers have reportedly not been allowed to return to their hometown because of security concerns and fears of public retaliation.

Reports suggest authorities have shifted them to either a psychiatric facility or another secure, undisclosed location instead of allowing them to reintegrate into their native area.

The case remains one of the most notorious in Pakistan's criminal history and has reignited debate over the rehabilitation and security arrangements for convicts released after serving sentences. (propakistani.pk)