Two days ago, a passenger bus traveling from Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab to Quetta was looted in Ghotki, Sindh. Nineteen passengers were abducted, fourteen were rescued, but one passenger tragically lost his life due to a heart attack caused by extreme fear. This horrific incident is not merely a criminal act—it is a glaring indictment of the state’s writ and governance. Despite massive police and paramilitary forces, a small area remains under criminal control, raising serious questions about priorities and efficiency.
The affected region is known as the Kacha (riverine) area. Punjab districts Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan border one side, while Sindh districts Kashmore, Ghotki, Shikarpur, and Jacobabad lie on the other. The area is characterized by riverine forests, uninhabited land, and difficult terrain, making it a long-standing refuge for criminals. Despite repeated reports, inquiries, and large-scale resources, the area remains unsafe for ordinary citizens.
Looking at the numbers, the situation is alarming. Sindh Police has 119,373 active personnel, of which 555 officers with 43 luxury vehicles are assigned to VIP security. Sindh Rangers have a total strength of 24,300, with 15,000 deployed in Sindh. Punjab deploys roughly 6,000 personnel and 1,000 officers for VIP security with 70 official vehicles, while Punjab Rangers has 16,100 personnel.
These figures force a fundamental question: are VIPs’ lives worth more than ordinary citizens’? Is the blood of a common passenger cheaper? Despite significant manpower, criminals still terrorize citizens in remote areas, reflecting misallocation of resources and misplaced priorities.
Modern technology is available. Geo-fencing can track criminal networks, drones can monitor forests and riverbanks, and helicopters can provide real-time surveillance. With such capabilities, a few dozen criminals should not operate freely—unless they enjoy protection from local influential figures or complicit authorities.
It is widely known that criminals in the Kacha area benefit from protection by local landlords, influential individuals, and corrupt officials. Until this systemic support is removed, law enforcement efforts will remain ineffective. The issue is not capacity; it is political will and accountability.
This is a shame for both Sindh and Punjab police. Despite vast manpower, resources, and modern equipment, a small region cannot be secured. Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab must move beyond statements and adopt joint, decisive, and results-oriented measures.
State authority is not demonstrated by VIP convoys but by ensuring ordinary citizens can travel safely. Security must be impartial, accessible, and equally prioritized. Protocol security should not overshadow public safety.
We ask: can ordinary citizens’ lives be ignored while VIP protection is guaranteed? How can large police and paramilitary forces allow criminals to terrorize citizens? Why do available technologies and manpower fail to apprehend criminals in known hideouts?
The Kacha incident is a wake-up call. Operational accountability, removal of collusion, and deployment of modern intelligence tools are urgently needed. Geo-fencing, drones, and helicopters can eliminate criminal hideouts efficiently.
The public does not demand luxury—they demand safety, justice, and dignity. Blood of ordinary citizens is as precious as that of VIPs. Until law enforcement prioritizes ordinary lives, state failure will persist. This is a call for immediate action, not mere statements. Leadership must act now.