Katcha dacoits abducted 25 male passengers from a passenger bus in Rahim Yar Khan district on Monday, police said. The bus, travelling from Multan to Sialkot, was stopped by armed men near Machka in the katcha area on the Sadiqabad-Kashmore highway.
The dacoits checked national identity cards before taking the men into the riverine belt. Women, children, the driver and cleaner were released at the scene.
District Police Officer Imran Kishwar confirmed the katcha dacoits kidnapping belonged to known gangs, including those linked to Sharif Chhachhar, Bangar and Lal Bukhari. Families of some passengers kidnapped in katcha have received ransom demands by phone.
The incident highlights the continuing security challenge in Punjab’s riverine areas, where criminal gangs exploit inaccessible terrain to carry out abductions for ransom, affecting inter-provincial travel and public safety.
Details of the Rahim Yar Khan Bus Attack
The rahim yar khan bus attack occurred in broad daylight on a busy highway linking Punjab and Sindh. According to police, the dacoits arrived in vehicles, blocked the bus, and selectively abducted adult male passengers.
Rescue 1122 received multiple distress calls from relatives after the passengers kidnapped katcha were taken deeper into the riverine area. The abducted men were moved on foot and possibly by boat, a common tactic used by katcha dacoits to evade pursuit.
DPO Kishwar told reporters the gangs involved are well-known to authorities. “Police teams have launched an operation with armoured vehicles to trace the hostages,” he said. He added that no ransom would be encouraged.
Police Launch Operation Against Katcha Dacoits
Punjab Police immediately cordoned off parts of the katcha area following the rahim yar khan bus attack. Heavy contingents, supported by armoured personnel carriers, began search operations in the dense riverine belt.
The terrain, characterised by thick vegetation and water channels, makes large-scale operations difficult. Katcha dacoits frequently use speedboats for quick movement and escape across the Indus.
Authorities have urged families not to pay ransom, stating the operation aims to secure the safe recovery of all passengers kidnapped in katcha without concession to the criminals.
Background: Persistent Threat in Katcha Areas
The katcha region of Rahim Yar Khan and neighbouring districts has remained a stronghold for organised criminal gangs for years. These groups carry out kidnappings for ransom, highway robberies and cattle theft, exploiting the natural cover provided by the riverine belt.
Previous operations by Punjab Police have neutralised several gang members, but new recruits and cross-border movement sustain the threat. Incidents of passengers kidnapped katcha and other abductions continue to surface regularly on routes passing through the area.
The Sadiqabad-Kashmore highway is a vital transport link, yet travellers frequently report fear of katcha dacoits. Similar kidnappings have occurred in the past, with gangs demanding millions in ransom before releasing hostages.
What’s Next: Rescue Efforts Continue
Police officials said the search operation remains active, with additional forces deployed. Tracking teams are working to locate the exact hideout used by the katcha dacoits responsible for the latest kidnapping.
Authorities expect to resolve the situation soon through sustained pressure. Families have been asked to stay in contact with police for updates.
As the operation progresses, attention remains focused on the safe return of the 25 passengers abducted by katcha dacoits in Monday’s brazen attack.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 15th, 2025
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