DERA GHAZI KHAN: In a major breakthrough for law enforcement, at least 29 most-wanted gangsters surrendered to police during an ongoing large-scale operation in the Katcha (riverine) area of Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining regions, officials confirmed on Monday. The development marks a significant success in the intensified crackdown against criminal networks operating along the Indus River belt.
District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Imran said the surrender included several high-profile gang leaders who were involved in heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and attacks on police personnel. Among those who laid down their arms was the notorious gangster Wahab Lound, who carried a head money of Rs10 million, along with Shahid Lound, wanted with a bounty of Rs5 million.
According to the DPO, the surrendered outlaws will be prosecuted strictly under the law, adding that no leniency would be shown despite their voluntary surrender. “These criminals were wanted in multiple serious cases, including the martyrdom of police officials. They will face justice,” he stated.
The total number of gangsters who have surrendered during the ongoing Katcha operation has now reached 29, as 11 others had already courted arrest along with their weapons in recent days. The operation is currently underway in the Katcha Karachi and Katcha Umrani areas of tehsil Rujhan Mazari in Rajanpur district.
Police officials said advanced surveillance tools, including drones, are being used to locate and destroy criminal hideouts. So far, seven hideouts have been demolished, and several gangsters have reportedly been critically injured. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera Ghazi Khan Azher Akram and DPO Imran have issued a clear warning, urging remaining outlaws to surrender or face sustained police action.
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Meanwhile, environmental concerns have surfaced following the death of a rare Indus Dolphin near Taunsa Barrage in District Kot Addu last week. Wildlife activists and environmental organisations have expressed alarm, calling for urgent government intervention to protect the endangered species.
The social environmental group Sindhu Bachao Tarla alleged that illegal fishing practices, including the use of poison and electric current, are posing serious threats to aquatic life, particularly during the low water flow season. Khadim Hussain Khar of the organisation said the dolphin’s carcass was discovered after three days and subsequently reported to the Wildlife Department, which conducted a post-mortem examination.
Wildlife lovers have urged the Punjab government to hold an on-site inquiry, impose a ban on fishing during low water levels, ensure regular river patrolling, and strengthen rescue operations to prevent further loss of the critically endangered Indus Dolphin.
