Rahim Yar Khan : In a devastating assault on Thursday, at least 12 policemen were martyred and six others sustained injuries after bandits launched a rocket attack on their vehicles in the riverine area of Rahim Yar Khan. The incident occurred in Machka, a region notorious for its challenging terrain and criminal activity.
According to police reports, two police vans carrying over 20 officers were immobilized in rainwater when bandits targeted them with rockets. The ferocity of the attack resulted in the death of 12 officers, with seven others injured and five initially reported missing. One of the injured succumbed to his wounds in the hospital, increasing the death toll to 12. Fortunately, the missing officers were later rescued safely.
Government Response and Condolences
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the fallen officers. He expressed solidarity with the families of the martyred policemen and vowed government support for their welfare. Minister Naqvi also extended his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured officers.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed profound sorrow over the loss and emphasized that the sacrifices of the police personnel would not be forgotten. She directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to recover the missing officers and requested a detailed report from Punjab Police Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar. CM Nawaz also called for the best medical care for the injured.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, senior police officials, including Additional IG Special Branch and Additional IG Counter-Terrorism Department, have been dispatched to Rahim Yar Khan to oversee the situation.
Ongoing Challenges in Riverine Areas
Bandit groups operating in riverine areas have long posed a significant challenge to law enforcement in Punjab and Sindh. Despite numerous operations aimed at curbing their activities, these groups remain a persistent threat.
In response to this and similar incidents, a National Action Plan implementation review committee met in April at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) headquarters. The meeting, chaired by Interior Minister Naqvi, included high-level representatives from various security agencies. The committee decided to launch a joint operation by Sindh and Punjab police forces to address the menace of notorious dacoits in the kacha areas of Sindh.
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