The Punjab government has introduced bounties of up to Rs10 million on the most dangerous kacha dacoits as part of a renewed effort to eradicate the persistent threat posed by these criminals.
A government notification issued on Friday outlines that the highest-value targets carry a Rs10 million reward, while Rs5 million and Rs2.5 million bounties are being offered for other notorious bandits in lower categories.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring peace in the region after decades of costly and largely unsuccessful operations against the dacoits.
In the wake of a violent incident yesterday, where a police van was attacked with rockets resulting in the deaths of over 12 officers and multiple injuries, the Punjab government has made changes to the top police command in Rahim Yar Khan.
DPO Imran Ahmed Malik, SP Muhammad Javed Akhtar Jatoi, and DSP Kaleem Ahmad have been directed to report to the Central Police Office. Rizwan Omer Gondal, who previously served as Senior Superintendent of Police at the CTD Punjab in Lahore, has been appointed the new DPO of Rahim Yar Khan. Gondal, who has prior experience in this role, was also involved in the most recent joint anti-kacha bandit operation conducted by the Sindh and Punjab police.
Despite billions of rupees being spent from the national exchequer since the 1990s, the problem has persisted. Last year, a joint operation by the Sindh and Punjab police, which cost over Rs4 billion, failed to resolve the issue. Reports suggest that these bandits often vanish when operations commence, only to resurface later, often stronger than before.
On Friday, the last rites were held for the police officers who were killed in the recent attack by the Kacha bandits. The funeral was attended by high-ranking officials, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, and Punjab Inspector General (IG) of Police Dr Usman Anwar.
In his address, Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal reiterated the government’s resolve to pursue the outlaws.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs will not be in vain,” Mengal declared. “The operation against the Kacha bandits will persist until the area is entirely rid of these criminals.” He assured the public that the government, in collaboration with the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), is determined to reestablish the rule of law in the region.
Following the funeral, Mengal visited the site of the attack and convened a meeting to discuss the next steps. He also visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, where he met with injured police officers, offering support and ensuring they receive the best possible care.
Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar, along with senior officials, visited the injured officers and commended the bravery and sacrifices of the Punjab Police. He emphasized that the police force has consistently faced challenges from terrorists, bandits, and other criminals in the Kacha area and border posts. Dr Anwar assured the injured officers of the government’s full backing, pledging that operations will continue until the region is secured.
The operation against the Kacha bandits has been ongoing for several months, with bandits frequently targeting law enforcement personnel. The dense forests and riverine areas of the Kacha region provide natural hideouts for the bandits, complicating operations. Nevertheless, the government remains committed to eliminating these criminals.
In response to the recent attack, the Punjab Government has deployed fresh contingents of CTD and police to the Kacha area with orders to intensify the operation. The government is also considering the deployment of advanced technology and additional resources to bolster the ongoing efforts.
Meanwhile, the Punjab police have announced that the main suspect behind the deadly rocket attack on police in Rahim Yar Khan’s Machka area has been killed in a retaliatory operation.
Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar confirmed to local media that both Punjab and Sindh police had launched a coordinated operation in the area, with 320 personnel from Punjab and additional forces from Sindh on the ground.
In a post on X, the Punjab police confirmed the death of the main suspect, Bashir Shar, in retaliatory action following the attack. “The main suspect who led the assault on our officers, Bashir Shar, has met his fate,” the police statement read. The operation also resulted in injuries to five of Shar’s accomplices: Sanaullah Shar, Gada Ali, Kamlu Shar, Ramzan Shar, and Gadi.
