12 cops martyred in bandit attack in Punjab Katcha area

LAHORE/KARACHI: In the Katcha area of Rahim Yar Khan, hardened criminals attacked two police vehicles, resulting in the martyrdom of 12 policemen.

According to police, the criminals targeted two vehicles in the Machhka area. The police vans were stuck in floodwaters when bandits launched an attack, using rocket launchers. Initially, police confirmed that 11 cops were martyred and seven injured while four went missing. Later, an injured policeman passed away during treatment. Following the attack, heavy police reinforcements were called into the area by the Rahim Yar Khan Police.

Medical emergency was declared in the Sheikh Zayed Hospital and citizens rushed to the hospital to donate blood.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed an effective operation to recover the missing cops. Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal will oversee the crackdown on bandits in the Kutcha area. The inspector general of police, additional IGP of Special Branch and additional IGP of CTD will accompany the home secretary. The CM said those who attacked the police would be brought to justice. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed Sindh IG Ghulam Nabi Memon to extend required assistance to the Punjab police immediately. “Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan police should plan a joint operation against dacoits,” he said, adding that the Sindh government was ready to cooperate if the injured policemen needed treatment.

IG Memon said, “It is a war of good and evil in which Punjab and Sindh police are working together.”President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the families of the martyred police officers. He stressed the need for strict action against criminals in the riverine area and warned that attacks on law enforcement agencies would not be tolerated. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of police officers. He paid tribute to the martyred and prayed for the swift recovery of injured. “We express heartfelt condolences to families of martyrs and stand by their families,” he said.