The provincial police chief said that police had made progress and claimed the killing of hardened dacoit Bashir Shar during a hot pursuit. Shar is said to be one of the men behind Thursday’s attack on the police party.
Dr Anwar said that five of Shar’s accomplices, including Sanaullah Shar, Gada Ali, Kamlu Shar, Ramzan Shar and Gadi were also injured in the police’s action.
“The next target is another most wanted dacoit and we are vigorously pursuing him in the riverine area of Rahim Yar Khan,” he said.
The provincial police chief reached Rahim Yar Khan along with the additional inspector general of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department and other senior police officers late on Thursday night.
Senior representatives from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Branch, Rangers and other security agencies were also present.
CM Maryam Nawaz had directed the police chief to remain in Rahim Yar Khan until Sunday, and tasked him with leading a large-scale operation, launched in coordination of the Sindh police.
Action was initiated against Rahim Yar Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Ahmad Malik over his alleged failure to ensure the safe and secure movement of local police as per standard guidelines in the troubled area.
In a notification on Friday night, the Punjab government transferred Punjab CTD SSP Rizwan Umar Gondal as the new DPO of Rahim Yar Khan.