Attackers kill 11 police officers in Pakistan’s Punjab

The attack occurred when two police vans returning from weekly duties experienced a malfunction. The dacoits then launched a sudden rocket attack on the stranded vehicles, Dawn added.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned the attack and vowed to avenge the fallen officers. She dispatched a team with “clear directions to sort them out decisively.”

11 police jawans embraced shahadat in a rocket launcher attack by Kacha gangs in Machka. It is indeed very sad but this will not go unavenged. My team under the supervision of Home Secretary, IG and CTD has been dispatched with clear directions to sort them out decisively.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 22, 2024

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed sorrow, describing the slain officers as martyrs and emphasised the need for strict action against criminals in the area, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered “immediate and effective action” against the riverine bandits.

The incident took place in the Rahim Yar Khan district as the police officers were patrolling a deserted area. The patrol was targeting robbers who operate in the region.

This attack is the latest in a series of incidents involving riverine dacoits in the area. Earlier this month, three policemen were killed in a similar attack, and last month, four dacoits were killed in a police operation.

The injured officers are receiving medical treatment, and authorities are investigating the violent incident.