Daily Times

The Punjab government has announced bounties of up to Rs10 million on the heads of the most dangerous kacha dacoits in an effort to eliminate the persistent threat posed by these criminals.

According to a government notification issued on Friday, high-value targets are subject to a Rs10 million bounty, while Rs5 million and Rs2.5 million rewards are being offered for other dangerous bandits in lower categories. The decision is part of a broader strategy to restore peace in the region, following decades of costly and largely unsuccessful operations against the dacoits.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of Thursday’s violent incident in which a police van was attacked with rockets, resulting in the deaths of over 12 policemen and multiple injuries, the Punjab government has replaced the top police command in Rahim Yar Khan. DPO Imran Ahmed Malik, SP Muhammad Javed Akhtar Jatoi, and DSP Kaleem Ahmad have been asked to report to the Central Police Office. Rizwan Omer Gondal, formerly Senior Superintendent of Police at the CTD Punjab in Lahore, has been appointed the new DPO of Rahim Yar Khan. Gondal previously served in the same role and was involved in the most recent joint anti-kacha bandit operation conducted by the Sindh and Punjab police.

Despite spending billions of rupees from the national exchequer since the 1990s, the problem has persisted. Last year, a joint operation by the Sindh and Punjab police was launched, costing over Rs4 billion, yet the issue remains unresolved. Reports indicate that these bandits often disappear when operations begin, only to re-emerge later, often with greater strength. On Friday, the last rites were performed for police officers killed in a recent attack by the Kacha bandits. The funeral was attended by high-ranking officials, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, and Punjab Inspector General (IG) of Police Dr Usman Anwar. Addressing those gathered, Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing the outlaws. “The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain,” Mengal stated. “The operation against the Kacha bandits will continue until the area is completely rid of these criminals.” Mengal assured the public that the government, in collaboration with the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), is determined to restore the rule of law in the region. Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar, accompanied by senior officials, visited the injured officers and praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Punjab Police. He highlighted that the police force has consistently faced challenges from terrorists, bandits, and other criminals in the Kacha area and border posts. Dr Anwar assured the injured officers of the government’s full support, pledging that operations would continue until the region is secured.