RAHIM YAR KHAN: Punjab police announced on Friday that they have neutralized the main suspect involved in a deadly rocket attack on police officers in Rahim Yar Khan District’s Machka area. The attack, which took place in the Katcha region, claimed the lives of 12 police officers.
The Katcha area, located along the riverine borders of southern Sindh and central Punjab, has long been a stronghold for organized criminal gangs who often engage in kidnap-for-ransom activities.
The tragic incident occurred when two police vehicles, carrying around 22 officers, were returning from a police camp in the Katcha area. Recent heavy rains had left the roads muddy, causing one of the vehicles to break down. It was during this vulnerable moment that the police convoy came under attack by dacoits, who fired rockets and opened fire, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 officers on the spot, with the death toll rising to 12 later.
Punjab Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar shared that a large-scale operation had been launched in response to the attack, with 320 Punjab police officers on the ground, supported by the Sindh police force.
In retaliation, Punjab police confirmed that they had successfully killed the main suspect, identified as Bashir Shar, who led the attack. Additionally, five of his accomplices were injured during the police action.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed IG Anwar and other top officials to travel to Rahim Yar Khan to manage the situation personally. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also ordered his police chief to collaborate with Punjab police and provide any necessary support.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz further instructed the Punjab home secretary to launch an immediate and comprehensive operation in the Katcha areas, with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab spearheading the efforts.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed Home Secretary Punjab to initiate an immediate operation in Kache. She has directed that a swift and effective response be given to the dacoits, with the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab leading the operation. pic.twitter.com/sbcfQP78kJ
— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 23, 2024
The funeral prayers for the martyred policemen were held in Rahim Yar Khan, attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi along with civil and military officials. The ceremony included tributes and wreath-laying to honor the fallen officers before their bodies were sent to their hometowns.
In response to the incident, Sindh’s Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered police across the province to remain on high alert and ensure robust security, particularly during Friday prayers. Enhanced security measures, including increased police presence at key mosques and public gatherings, were implemented to prevent any further incidents.
