Bandits kill 11 policemen in rocket attack

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: At least 11 policemen were killed and seven others injured a rocket attack by riverine bandits in the Machka area of Punjab’s eastern Rahim Yar Khan district on Thursday, officials said.

The attack occurred when two police vans were returning from weekly duties in the riverine Machka area, a region known for criminal activity by heavily armed bandits. One of the vehicles developed a malfunction, prompting sudden rocket attacks.

“11 police jawans embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in a rocket launcher attack by Kacha gangs in Machka,” Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wrote on social media platform X. “It is indeed very sad but this will not go unavenged. My team under the supervision of the Home Secretary, IG and CTD has been dispatched with clear directions to sort them out decisively.”

The Kacha area, spanning 15,000 square kilometers along the Indus River, has long been a haven for criminal gangs and dacoits, backed by influential landlords and political leaders.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Sacrifices of police would not go “unavenged”.

“Sacrifices of police personnel will always be remembered,” she said, directing the authorities concerned to take immediate action to recover the missing policemen.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack and extended his condolences to the families of the martyred police officers.

“The need for strict action against criminals in the riverine area cannot be emphasized enough,” the President said. “Attacks on police personnel and law enforcement agencies will not be tolerated.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered “immediate and effective action” against riverine bandits.

“The gruesome attack on Punjab police in the riverine area is not only condemned as minister of interior but also as a patriotic Pakistani,” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said. “The attack, which has resulted in a heavy loss of life, shows the unwavering commitment of the police force to fight with such a menace.”

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the provincial police chief to contact the Punjab police and offer any required assistance. “Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan police should plan a joint operation against dacoits,” Shah said. “Punjab police is as brave as Sindh police, both have always fought against terrorism and dacoits.”