DERA GHAZI KHAN: In a breakthrough during the ongoing police operation in the Katcha (riverine) area, 29 ‘most-wanted’ gangsters surrendered to the authorities, District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Imran claimed on Monday.

Among those who laid down their arms are leaders of various criminal gangs. The surrendered individuals include the notorious gangster Wahab Lound, who carried head money of Rs10 million and another gangster, Shahid Lound, who was wanted for a reward of Rs5m.

DPO Imran said the surrendered gangsters were wanted in multiple cases, including the martyrdom of police personnel, murder, kidnapping for ransom, and armed robbery. He assured that the apprehended outlaws would be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.

This latest development brings the total number of bandits who have surrendered in the Katcha operation to 29, as 11 other gangsters had already courted arrest along with their weapons the other day.

The police operation continues on a large scale in the Katcha Karachi and Katcha Umrani regions of tehsil Rujhan Mazari of Rajanpur district. DPO Imran said drones are being utilised to target the gangsters’ hideouts. So far, seven such hideouts have been destroyed in the operation, and several gangsters have been critically injured.

A clear message has been issued by RPO Dera Ghazi Khan Azher Akram and DPO Imran that gangsters must surrender or face relentless police action.

INDUS DOLPHIN: The wildlife lovers have urged the Punjab government to hold an on-site inquiry, take strict action against those involved, ban fishing during low water levels, and ensure regular patrolling and rescue operations to protect the rare Indus Dolphin.

A rare Indus Dolphin was found dead last week near Taunsa Barrage in District Kot Addu, raising serious concerns over illegal fishing practices in the Indus.

Social environmental organisation Sindhu Bachao Tarla has alleged that fish contractors are using poison and electric current, posing grave threats to the endangered species, especially during the low water flow season.

According to Khadim Hussain Khar of the organisation, the dolphin’s body was discovered after three days and reported to the Wildlife Department, which later conducted a post-mortem examination.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2026