Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that 100% of the katcha (riverine) area in Punjab has been cleared, restoring the writ of the state.

Addressing a meeting on the success of the operation, she declared that there is now “no place for robbers” in the province.

Chairing a meeting to review the successful katcha operation, Maryam Nawaz said that criminals had effectively created “a state within a state” in the riverine belt. She confirmed that the writ of the state has been fully restored in Rajanpur and other katcha areas.

According to the chief minister, all nine no-go areas have now been eliminated. “Punjab is a province free from terrorism today,” she said, highlighting the significance of the operation.

Over 500 criminals surrender

Maryam revealed that more than 500 criminals, including high-profile gang leaders, surrendered before the state during the operation. Among them, 34 dacoits carried a collective bounty of Rs10 million, underscoring the scale of the crackdown.

The chief minister said that a high-profile gang leader was specifically targeted with the help of modern technology and intelligence-based operations.

The chief minister emphasized that no official lost their life during the operation, calling it a major success for law enforcement agencies. She credited the effective use of modern technology, coordinated intelligence, and professional planning for the smooth execution of the campaign.

Development, facilities for residents

Following the clearance of the area, Maryam Nawaz announced plans to ensure development and provide essential public facilities to residents of the katcha region.

She stressed that restoring peace must be followed by sustainable development so that the local population benefits from improved infrastructure and services.

Maryam also expressed her gratitude to the Sindh government and police for their cooperation in making the operation successful. She acknowledged that inter-provincial coordination played a key role in eliminating criminal strongholds in the riverine belt.

With the operation concluded, the Punjab government says it is now focused on long-term stability and progress in the once troubled areas.