PNN: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has said riverine “Katcha” areas in Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan have been cleared of criminal gangs after a six-week intelligence-based operation.
Addressing a high-level meeting on Saturday, she said 42 criminals from Rajanpur and 200 from Rahim Yar Khan surrendered, adding that more than 500 criminals in total laid down arms, including high-profile gang leaders, some of whom carried bounties. She said the operation was completed without casualties among security personnel.
According to the chief minister, 45 days have passed without any reported incidents of kidnapping for ransom or honey-trap activity in the area. She said the state’s writ has been restored in territories that had become a no-go area for law enforcement.
She said the operation was conducted through multi-agency coordination involving the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Punjab Police, Sindh Police, CTD, Special Branch and other intelligence agencies. More than 1,700 police personnel were deployed, supported by drone surveillance, night vision cameras and advanced technology. Armoured personnel carriers (APCs), bulletproof vehicles and protective gear were provided to officers.
CM Maryam said heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, machine guns, pistols, ammunition and hand grenades, were recovered. She said criminals used to hide in sugarcane fields and operated from riverine areas surrounded by water, making access difficult.
She said criminals who surrendered pledged not to engage in further criminal activity, fire on police or attack law enforcement. She added that surrendered suspects would face a fair trial under the law and that hideouts of criminals and facilitators were destroyed.
The chief minister said that after 30 years, recruitment was carried out in the Border Military Police, with 53 women inducted for the first time. She said intelligence sharing played a key role in the operation’s success and thanked Sindh Police and the Sindh government for their cooperation in the tri-border areas.
Announcing a development package for Katcha areas, she said schools, colleges, hospitals and TEVTA institutes would be established. Green bus services and improved transport facilities would be introduced. Agricultural land and farmer cards would be provided under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme. Technical education centres would be set up to create employment opportunities.
She said doctors and teachers posted in the area would receive special allowances, and additional incentives, and a major package would be extended to residents to improve living standards.
A three-member high-level committee, headed by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and comprising the home secretary and additional chief secretary south, has been formed for the Chief Minister’s Programme for Katcha Area Development.
Maryam said the state would maintain its writ in the region and ensure the people of Katcha receive facilities comparable to those in other parts of Punjab.