Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday said that the provincial government had decided to launch a crackdown against criminal gangs in southern parts of the province bordering Sindh and Balochistan.
He said that Elite Force of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab would lead the operation while also taking Sindh and Balochistan police onboard.
“Criminals take refuge in Katcha areas – areas along the Indus River in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan’s mountains,” he said, brushing aside the impression that the operation was aimed at militant elements.
The Punjab law minister said that Chotoo Group, a notorious group of criminals, would be targeted in the operation. “Army and paramilitary troops will be on standby during the crackdown,” he said.
The latest drive is expected to focus on Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and tribal areas in Punjab’s southern belt.