RAHIM YAR KHAN / SUKKUR, October 23, 2025: In response to recent kidnappings by Katcha dacoit gangs, Punjab police have begun operating escorted night convoys on the Sukkur–Multan Motorway (M-5) to ensure the safety of motorists traveling through high-risk stretches in Rahim Yar Khan district.
The measure, launched this week, follows the abduction of 10 people by the Tanvir Indhar gang near Nawazabad on Sept 5 — the first incident of Katcha criminals infiltrating the motorway within Punjab’s limits. From 7pm to 6am, all vehicles are now halted at the Azampur service area between Jamaldin Wali and Bhong before being dispatched in half-hourly convoys led by two armored police pickups. Southbound convoys from Sindh are similarly escorted from Guddu interchange to Azampur.
At least 72 dacoits from the riverine (katcha) areas laid down their weapons in Shikarpur.
The surrender follows Sindh Home Department’s first-ever structured policy for outlaws operating in Sukkur and Larkana divisions.#SamaaTV #LawAndOrder #Pakistan #SindhPolice pic.twitter.com/HT56YK0sW2
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) October 23, 2025
Police say the convoys will continue until operations restore complete safety. “Once the area is secure, traffic will run as usual,” said RYK police spokesperson Zeeshan Randhawa, adding that bulletproof vehicles and trained personnel equipped with modern weapons are being used.
Meanwhile, Sindh Police have opted for heavy patrolling instead of convoys. Ghotki SSP Anwar Khaitran said eight police and eight Rangers vehicles are stationed along the M-5 at all times. He urged a long-term plan to develop Katcha’s riverine terrain into permanent settlements to deny criminals cover.
In a related development, 72 wanted bandits with collective head money exceeding Rs60 million surrendered under Sindh’s Surrender Policy 2025 in Shikarpur, handing over more than 200 weapons, including G3 rifles, RPG launchers, and 12.7mm anti-aircraft guns.
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Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar praised the police and tribal elders, urging other gangs to lay down arms. He warned those still at large to surrender or face elimination as the province intensifies its long-running crackdown on organized crime.
