Police Eliminate main suspect of rocket attack on cops in Rahim Yar Khan

Lahore: The Punjab police have confirmed the death of Bashir Shar, the primary suspect in the rocket attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 policemen on Thursday. The attack occurred in the riverine Machka area of Rahim Yar Khan, where a police mobile van was stranded due to flooding.

According to a statement released by the Punjab police on X (formerly Twitter), Bashir Shar the main suspect of rocket attack was killed during a subsequent operation aimed at apprehending those responsible for the attack. His accomplices, identified as Sanaullah Shar, Gada Ali, Kamlu Shar, Ramzan Shar, and Gadi, sustained injuries during the confrontation.

The attack unfolded when two police vehicles carrying 22 officers were ambushed by bandits after one of the vans became immobilized in low-level floodwater. The assailants used rocket launchers to target the stranded officers, resulting in significant casualties and injuries.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has vowed to continue the operation until all perpetrators are brought to justice. “The operation will continue until the perpetrators are eliminated,” the police statement asserted.

In response to the violence, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz commended the police for their swift action and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from the Katcha region. “We will make a firm resolve to purge the Katcha area from the dacoits, and the Punjab government will not forget the precious sacrifices of the police martyrs,” Nawaz declared. She assured that those responsible for the deaths of the police personnel would face justice.
Read More: 12 Policemen Martyred in Kacha Bandit Attack in Rahim Yar Khan

The funeral for the fallen officers was held today at the Sadiq Shaheed Police Lines in Rahim Yar Khan. The ceremony was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, IGP Anwar, and Punjab Home Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, along with senior police and military officials, public figures, and relatives of the martyrs.

Interior Minister Naqvi visited the injured officers at Sheikh Zayed Hospital and vowed that their sacrifices would not be in vain. He emphasized the federal government’s support for Punjab in eradicating criminal activities in the Katcha area and vowed that the attackers would face severe consequences under the law.

Naqvi also chaired a high-level meeting at the Rahim Yar Khan airport, where he stressed the need for enhanced security measures and modern equipment for operational forces. He directed a coordinated operation against the assailants, promising a resolute response to prevent such incidents in the future.