Katcha areas cleared of dacoits thru successful operation: Maryam

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that Katcha areas had been cleared of dacoits following a successful multi-agency operation, restoring the writ of the state in the island-like regions of Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan.

According to official details, more than 500 outlaws surrendered during the operation, including 342 in Rajanpur and 200 in Rahim Yar Khan, among them several high-profile gang leaders.

The chief minister congratulated the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Punjab and Sindh police, CTD and Special Branch for completing the six-week operation without any loss of life among security personnel. She said heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, machine guns, pistols, ammunition and hand grenades, were recovered during the crackdown, adding that no incidents of kidnapping for ransom or honey-trap crimes had been reported in the area over the past 45 days.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif also announced a comprehensive development package for the Katcha region, saying schools, colleges, hospitals, technical institutes and transport facilities would be established, while farmers would be supported through land provision and agricultural schemes.

She said special incentives would be given to doctors and teachers serving in the area and employment opportunities would be expanded through technical education centres.

The chief minister said a three-member high-level committee headed by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb had been formed to oversee the Katcha Area Development Programme, adding that the government was committed to ensuring lasting peace, fair trials for surrendered criminals and long-term socio-economic uplift of the region.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026