Lahore — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared on February 14, 2026, that riverine “Katcha” areas in Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts have been cleared of criminal gangs following a six-week intelligence-based operation, restoring the state’s writ in territories long considered no-go zones for law enforcement.
Addressing a high-level meeting, the chief minister said 42 criminals from Rajanpur and 200 from Rahim Yar Khan surrendered, while more than 500 in total laid down arms — including high-profile gang leaders, some carrying bounties. The operation concluded without casualties among security personnel.
یہ بڑی کامیابی ہے کہ نہ صرف علاقے کو جرائم پیشہ عناصر سے پاک کیا گیا بلکہ پہلی بار انہوں نے ریاستی طاقت کے سامنے سرنڈر کیا۔ پانچ سو سے زائد افراد نے خوف اور دہشت کا ماحول بنا رکھا تھا، مگر اب وہ ریاست کے آگے جھک گئے ہیں۔@MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/ExEJrXuR1U
— Maryam Nawaz Updates (@MNS_Updates) February 14, 2026
Key Highlights
- Katcha areas in Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan cleared of dacoits.
- 42 criminals surrendered in Rajanpur, 200 in Rahim Yar Khan.
- Over 500 total surrenders, including high-profile gang leaders.
- No security personnel casualties reported.
- 45 days without kidnapping for ransom or honey-trap incidents.
- Heavy recoveries: rocket launchers, machine guns, pistols, grenades.
- Multi-agency operation with Pakistan Army, Rangers, CTD, police.
- CM thanks Sindh Police and Sindh govt for tri-border cooperation.
Maryam Nawaz said 45 days have passed without any reported incidents of kidnapping for ransom or honey-trap activity in the region. She credited the success to multi-agency coordination involving the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Punjab Police, Sindh Police, CTD, Special Branch, and other intelligence agencies. Over 1,700 police personnel were deployed, supported by drone surveillance, night vision cameras, advanced technology, armoured personnel carriers (APCs), bulletproof vehicles, and protective gear.
The chief minister highlighted recoveries of heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, machine guns, pistols, ammunition, and hand grenades. Criminals had hidden in sugarcane fields and operated from riverine pockets surrounded by water, making access difficult.
Surrendered suspects pledged not to engage in further criminal activity, fire on police, or attack law enforcement. Maryam Nawaz said they would face fair trials under the law, while hideouts and facilitators’ bases were destroyed.
Development Package Announced for Katcha Areas
The chief minister announced a comprehensive development package for Katcha areas, including new schools, colleges, hospitals, and TEVTA institutes. Green bus services and improved transport facilities will be introduced, alongside agricultural land and farmer cards under the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” programme. Technical education centres will create employment opportunities.
Doctors and teachers posted in the region will receive special allowances and incentives. A major package will improve living standards for residents.
A three-member high-level committee, headed by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and including the home secretary and additional chief secretary south, has been formed for the Chief Minister’s Programme for Katcha Area Development.
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Maryam Nawaz thanked Sindh Police and the Sindh government for their cooperation in tri-border areas, which played a key role in the operation’s success. She reiterated that the state would maintain its writ and ensure Katcha residents receive facilities comparable to other parts of Punjab.
The chief minister directed that such high-intensity operations continue until the Katcha belt is fully cleared of criminal elements, restoring peace and enabling normal life for local communities. The operation underscores Punjab’s resolve to eliminate riverine crime and strengthen security across the province.
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