Rahim Yar Khan (Web Desk): At least 12 policemen were martyred and seven others injured after dacoits fired rockets at police vehicles in Kacha area of Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday.
According to police sources, the horrific incident occurred in Machchka, a riverine area in Sadiqabad, where two police vehicles were attacked by robbers.
The police officials said that more than 15 cops in two police mobiles were returning after finishing their duty were trapped in rainwater when bandits fired rockets at them.
They added that a dozen cops were martyred while seven others were wounded and five went missing.
The police officials said that the wounded cops were immediately shifted to the hospital while the missing five policemen were safely rescued.
Additional Inspector General (IG) Police South Punjab Muhammad Kamran Khan during his visit of Sheikh Zaid Hospital Rahim Yar Khan today said that two police vans were coming back after performing duty when dacoits launched an attack through rocket launchers at the convoy.
As per the spokesperson of Punjab police, the mastermind of Kacha Machka tragedy Bashir Shar was killed by Punjab Police in an ongoing operation near Rahim Yar Khan.
Taking notice of the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Marriyum Nawaz Sharif and IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar sought report from RPO Bahawalpur and DPO Rahim Yar Khan.
In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of police personnel saying that the sacrifices of the cops will always be remembered.
She directed to provide the best medical aid to the injured police officials.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack on a police convoy by riverine area dacoits in Rahim Yar Khan.
“The president extended his condolences to the families of the police officers, who were martyred in the attack,” a President's House statement said.
The president emphasized the need for strict action against criminals in the Kacha area and warned that attacks on personnel of police and law enforcement agencies would not be tolerated.
President Zardari paid tribute to the martyred policemen and prayed for their elevated ranks. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned attack on Police convoy in Rahim Yar Khan.
In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of police personnel in the attack.
PM Shehbaz prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and patience for their families.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured police personnel and directed that they should be provided with the best medical facilities.
The premier instructed immediate and effective action against the attackers in the Kacha area.
He also directed that those responsible for the attack be identified and brought to justice.
PM Shehbaz commended police officers and personnel for their dedication and courage in combating criminals regardless of personal risk.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the dacoits' attack on Punjab police and paid tribute to the martyred cops.
He also prayed for the early recovery of the wounded policemen and pledged that the government would stand beside the families of the martyred cops.