DERA MURAD JAMALI — In a major intelligence-based operation, the Balochistan police on Sunday dismantled a notorious gang of highway robbers operating across the Nasirabad and Kachhi districts. The joint raid, conducted by heavy contingents from both district police forces, resulted in the arrest of eight suspected criminals who had become a symbol of fear for commuters on the Quetta-Sukkur highway.
- The Target: Armed gangs looting passenger buses and private vehicles.
- Key Location: Strategic points along the Quetta-Sukkur Highway (N-65).
- Direct Command: Operation launched on the orders of IGP Balochistan Muhammad Tahir.
- Outcome: 8 suspects detained; multiple hideouts destroyed and torched.
- Ongoing Status: Search operations intensified in surrounding villages and mountainous terrain.
IGP’s Directive: Reclaiming the Quetta-Sukkur Highway
The crackdown followed a sharp rise in “road-blocking” robberies where armed groups would intercept long-distance coaches, particularly during the early morning hours. Taking notice of the escalating insecurity, IGP Muhammad Tahir directed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nasirabad Range to eliminate these criminal sanctuaries.
The SSPs of Nasirabad and Kachhi led the tactical raids, successfully cornering the suspects despite their attempts to flee into nearby hideouts. To prevent the gang from regrouping, police forces destroyed and set fire to the tactical shelters used by the dacoits.
Security Context: A Challenging Landscape
This operation is part of a broader security push in Balochistan. The province has seen a mix of criminal and militant activities on its lifelines, leading to:
- Night Travel Bans: Several districts, including Kachhi and Gwadar, have previously restricted public transport movement between 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
- Modern Surveillance: Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras and trackers in all inter-city buses to monitor real-time movement.
- Escalated Patrols: Recent reports from the Jaffar Express and major highways indicate a heavy presence of FC and Levies personnel to boost passenger confidence.
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Next Steps and Public Advisory
The Nasirabad SSP has confirmed that the operation will continue until all criminal “pockets” in the range are cleared.
- For Travelers: Authorities advise sticking to designated convoy times and avoiding stops at unauthorized locations along the N-65.
- Legal Action: The arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to identify their facilitators and potential links to wider militant networks.
IG Balochistan Police Mohammad Tahir’s Vision for a Modern Force This video outlines the Inspector General’s strategy to modernize the Balochistan Police with advanced technology and training to combat both highway crime and terrorism.
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