Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan riverine belts cleared of bandits, says Maryam Nawaz

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that riverine “katcha” areas in southern Punjab had been “100 per cent cleared” of bandits following a six-week security operation, as she announced a development package for the region.

She said the riverine belt in Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan had been cleared, with 42 suspects surrendering in Rajanpur and 200 in Rahim Yar Khan.

More than 500 alleged bandits, including high-profile gang leaders, had laid down their arms during the 45-day operation, she said.

Authorities recovered rocket launchers, machine guns, pistols, ammunition and hand grenades during the crackdown, according to the chief minister.

 She said no incidents of kidnapping for ransom or “honey trap” crimes had been reported in the past 45 days.

Maryam Nawaz said that the intelligence-based operation was made possible through the use of modern drone technology and night-vision cameras, adding that all law enforcement agencies worked in coordination “as one unit”.

For the first time in 30 years, 53 women were among new recruits inducted into the Border Military Police (BMP), she said.

Announcing a “Chief Minister Programme for Katcha Area Development,” she said a three-member high-level committee had been formed to oversee the initiative, headed by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and comprising the home secretary and the additional chief secretary (South).

Under the development plan, she said, new schools, colleges and hospitals will be established in the riverine areas, along with technical education and vocational training centres.

A green bus service and improved road infrastructure will also be introduced to enhance transport links, she said.

Maryam Nawaz said that residents will be provided agricultural land and farmer cards to support livelihoods, while doctors and teachers posted to the area will receive special allowances and incentives, the chief minister said.