State Authority Restored in Former Bandit Stronghold
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that the challenging Katcha areas of Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan have been “100 percent cleared” of dacoits. The declaration marks the culmination of a major security operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks that had established a reign of fear in the riverine region.
A “State Within a State” Dismantled
Addressing a meeting in Katcha, CM Nawaz stated that dacoits had created a “state within a state,” terrorizing local populations. “An atmosphere of fear was created,” she said, detailing how people were kidnapped through honey traps. The operation, described as critically difficult, was launched to decisively end this criminal rule.
High-Tech Operation with Inter-Provincial Support
The offensive utilized advanced surveillance and human intelligence systems. “Using technology, every single dacoit was tracked in the Katcha areas,” Nawaz explained. Drone cameras were deployed to monitor militant movement. She also credited the Pakistan Army for supporting police and law enforcement agencies during the action and thanked the Sindh police and provincial government for their full cooperation in the joint effort.
Zero Casualties, Hundreds Surrender
Significantly, the Chief Minister reported that the operation concluded without any loss of life. “The area of fear has become an area of the rule of law,” she asserted. With state authority fully restored, over 500 dacoits have surrendered. “There is no concession for those who challenge the state’s writ. There is no safe haven for the dacoits of Katcha anymore,” Nawaz declared, concluding, “Thank God, Punjab is now safe.”
