Maryam thanked the Sindh Police and the Sindh Government for their cooperation in the tri-border areas
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz holds briefings on death of young woman and her infant daughter in Lahore well. SCREEN GRAB
LAHORE:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that the “Katcha” riverine areas of 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 carried out with no casualties among the security personnel.
According to the Chief Minister, 45 days have passed without any reported incidents of kidnapping for ransom or honey traps in the area. She said the state’s subpoena has been restored in areas that had become a no-go area for law enforcement.
She said the operation was carried out 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 officers were deployed, supported by drone surveillance, night vision cameras and advanced technology. Armored personnel carriers (APCs), bulletproof vehicles and protective gear were provided to officers.
Read: CM Maryam announces Rs10b aid to Balochistan, pledges support against terrorism
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 promised not to engage in further criminal activity, shoot at 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 done in the Border Military Police where 53 women were inducted for the first time. She said that intelligence sharing played a key role in the success of the operation and thanked the 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 will be introduced. Agricultural land and farmer cards would be provided under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme. Technical training centers will be established to create employment opportunities.
Read more: CM promises sports city next year
She said doctors and teachers posted in the area would receive special benefits and additional incentives, and a bigger 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 minister and additional chief secretary south, has been formed for the Chief Minister’s Program for Katcha Area Development.
Maryam said the state would maintain its judgment in the region and ensure that the people of Katcha get facilities comparable to those in other parts of Punjab.
