The incident occurred when the robbers
targeted two police mobiles with rockets
in the Machhaka area
News Desk
Karachi: A devastating attack by dacoits in the Kacha area of Sadiqabad, Punjab province, left 12 police officers martyred, 8 injured, and 5 missing. The incident occurred when the robbers targeted two police mobiles with rockets in the Machhaka area.
Attack Details
More than 20 policemen were in the two vehicles when the assailants launched rockets, followed by gunfire. The officers were returning from duty in Kacha when the attack took place. The bodies of the martyred officers were transported to Sheikh Zayed Hospital, where an emergency was declared, and all medical staff was put on high alert.
A police spokesperson stated that the attack occurred after one of the police vehicles broke down, making it vulnerable to the sudden rocket assault. Following the incident, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar sought a detailed report from RPO DG Khan and immediately traveled to Rahim Yar Khan with senior officers.
Official Condemnations and Reactions
IG Punjab confirmed the martyrdom of 12 officers and acknowledged the severe injuries sustained by others. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz instructed the Interior Secretary and IG Punjab to reach the Kacha area and personally oversee the crackdown against the attackers. She also demanded an immediate report on the incident.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and directed immediate, effective action against the culprits. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the policemen and prayed for the injured’s swift recovery. President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the attack, stressing the need for strict action against criminals in the Kacha area.
Additional Security Measures
The attack has prompted a significant security response, with a heavy police force deployed to the scene. Sindh Police has also been alerted to assist in the area. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori have both condemned the attack and emphasized the importance of a coordinated crackdown against the dacoits.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating organized crime in the region.
