DERA GHAZI KHAN: Punjab police claimed to have successfully repulsed a massive terrorist attack on the Lakhani border post in Wahowa area late on Tuesday night.

According to a police spokesperson, 25 to 30 heavily armed terrorists launched a sudden and coordinated assault on the border post, using rockets, hand grenades, and other heavy weaponry. He said the attackers attempted to besiege the post from all sides, but were swiftly identified by the police personnel on duty using advanced thermal imaging cameras.

The personnel of Punjab police, Elite Force, Rangers, and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) immediately retaliated with machine gun and mortars fire, engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight.

He said the coordinated response forced the terrorists to retreat, suffering significant casualties in the process.

“The attackers fled the scene, unable to withstand the police’s vigorous and effective retaliation,” stated District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali.

He said the police and other law-enforcing agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of the region and have vowed to track down the fleeing terrorists.

ILLEGAL HUNTING: Locals have demanded action against unchecked illegal hunting in Beit Esanwala Forest.

They say that the forest situated on the eastern bank of the river Indus has become a hub of illegal hunting activities.

Rare pheasants and waterfowl are being hunted relentlessly, with hunters openly using vehicles and firearms, they deplored.

They regretted that once a peaceful forest, now echoes with the sounds of gunfire, leaving the local wildlife in peril.

Despite the alarming situation, the Punjab wildlife and parks department officials concerned remain conspicuously absent, they said.

The unchecked hunting has not only endangered the rare species, but is also causing distress among the locals, who are witnessing the destruction of their natural heritage.

Expressing concern, the area residents demand the Kot Addu district administration and the wildlife department should take strict action against those indulging in the illegal activities.

They also appealed to the Punjab Minister for Wildlife Marriyum Aurangzeb to intervene immediately.

“It’s heartbreaking to see such rare birds being hunted down with no accountability. If this continues, we will lose these species forever,” says a concerned resident, seeking anonymity.

TIMBER SEIZED: During the ongoing crackdown on the timber mafia in DG Khan district, a truck laden with government’s timber was impounded under the supervision of Range Forest Officer, Layyah.

According to officials, the timber impounded during a raid is worth Rs784,210.

They said that during the raid the driver of the truck manged to flee.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2024