No-go areas no more

2026-02-16 - 00:36

The declaration by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz that the riverine (katcha) areas of Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur have been “100 per cent cleared” of dacoits is indeed a watershed moment in Punjab’s law enforcement history. For decades, these tracts along the Indus belt symbolised the state’s limited writ, territories where criminal gangs operated with impunity, terrorising local populations and evading successive crackdowns. That this entrenched menace has now been uprooted is not merely an operational success, it is an unprecedented achievement that eluded many governments in the past. What distinguishes this operation is not just its scale but its resolve. Successive administrations attempted to tame the katcha belt, yet problem persisted, often resurfacing after temporary lulls. This time, however, Punjab government demonstrated that when political will aligns with institutional coordination, even most complex security challenges can be overcome. The three-phase operation integrating ground offensives with aerial surveillance, cordoning off hardened strongholds, and culminating in a structured surrender phase reflects meticulous planning backed by unwavering commitment.The surrender of more than 500 dacoits, including notorious gang leaders, and recovery of heavy weaponry underscore magnitude of the success. It also sends a powerful message: Writ of the state is non-negotiable, and no territory can remain a sanctuary for criminal enterprise.Equally significant is broader symbolism of this achievement. For years, people of these riverine areas lived under constant fear subjected to kidnappings, extortion and violence. Entire communities were trapped in a cycle of insecurity and neglect. The restoration of state authority offers them not only physical safety but psychological relief. Credit must also be extended to the Sindh government and Sindh Police, who simultaneously intensified operations against riverine bandits on their side of the border. Sindh’s ongoing operations and encounters against these bandits show that it too is committed to reclaiming its katcha areas from lawlessness. There is little doubt that with sustained action, firm resolve and continued cooperation between provinces, these criminal elements can be permanently eliminated from Sindh as they have now been in Punjab. The key lies in consistency ensuring that gains achieved are consolidated through sustain edaction and vigilance.