Police equipped with drones to curb Katcha areas criminals

LAHORE: In a major initiative to curb organised crime in South Punjab’s riverine belt, around 20 surveillance drones have been handed over to police in Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur for operations against hardened criminals entrenched in the Katcha area. Officials said the drones would be used for both surveillance and precision strikes when required.

District Police Officer (DPO) Rahim Yar Khan Irfan Samo told The News that 12 drones had been provided to Rahim Yar Khan police and eight to Rajanpur police. “Provision of drones was a long-standing demand. The gangs operating in Katcha possess sophisticated weapons and exploit terrain that is difficult to access on foot or by vehicle,” he said. “These drones will not only assist in aerial surveillance but also enable targeted attacks on identified criminal hideouts, thereby reducing the risk to our personnel.” The DPO said the drones would be used for real-time intelligence gathering, to guide ground units, and, where operationally necessary and legally permitted, to strike criminal strongholds. He emphasised that all actions would be conducted under legal oversight and in accordance with established rules of engagement to ensure civilian safety.

Security officials noted that several policemen had lost their lives during previous operations in Katcha, and the introduction of drones would significantly enhance the force’s capability to counter armed gangs more safely. “In areas where physical access is too dangerous, drones will provide us with a crucial operational advantage,” Irfan Samo remarked.

Training on drone operation and maintenance will be conducted before full deployment. DPO Samo described the initiative as a major step forward in the ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal networks exploiting the Indus riverine region.

Residents of Katcha have previously questioned why drones were not used earlier to eliminate criminal elements. The latest provision marks an escalation in technology-driven policing aimed at restoring peace and stability in one of South Punjab’s most challenging terrains.