Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has announced “historic success” in the operation against dacoits in the katcha areas of the province where law enforcement forced 148 criminals to surrender.
“Alhamdolillah! Historic success in Kacha areas of Rajanpur & RYK. Punjab Police compelled 148 criminals to surrender under #SafePunjab. Bravo!” the provincial chief executive said in a post on X.
Alhamdolillah! Historic success in Kacha areas of Rajanpur & RYK. Punjab Police compelled 148 criminals to surrender under #SafePunjab. Bravo! pic.twitter.com/0LzPNXtnlF
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 23, 2026
The post comes three days after it was announced that a large-scale, joint operation by Punjab and Sindh police is ongoing in the katcha areas of Rahim Yar Khan, including Machka, Kacha Rajwani and Ronti, with 1,700 personnel, drones and armoured vehicles deployed against bandits.
According to Bahawalpur Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghazi Muhammad Salahuddin, Rahim Yar Khan police had cordoned off Kacha Rajwani, with contingents from Rajanpur (Punjab) and Ghotki (Sindh) taking part.
Sindh police and Rangers were also conducting action in adjoining riverine areas.
He said 1,700 police personnel had been deployed along with eight drone teams, six bulletproof vehicles and three armoured personnel carriers.
Modern technology was being used to ensure effective progress and restore law and order in the area, he said, adding that police were conducting action against criminal elements under a coordinated and well-planned strategy.
The RPO clarified that suspects who renounce criminal activities and voluntarily surrender to the police would not be engaged in encounters and would be produced before the courts in accordance with the law. However, criminals have been strictly warned to lay down their arms and surrender.
He further emphasised that the operation would continue until the writ of the government was fully established in the riverine areas.
Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Irfan Ali Samo said that action against criminals was ongoing and that ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the public remained the top priority.
According to details, police with a heavy contingent and full combat equipment have launched a decisive operation against bandits after cordoning off the areas of Machka and Kacha Rajwani.