RAHIM YAR KHAN: Around 15 armed dacoits allegedly from the Katcha area attacked a Quetta-bound passenger bus late Monday night and kidnapped 25 passengers. The assailants injured the driver during the attack before fleeing with the abducted individuals.
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According to videos circulated on social media after 9:30pm, the Sadabahar Company coach had departed from Sadiqabad for Quetta at around 8pm. Passengers said the journey was proceeding normally until the bus reached a remote area near the Punjab-Sindh border.
When the bus reached near the Murid Shakh area close to Motorway M-5, it reportedly turned towards Guddu, about 65 kilometres from Rahim Yar Khan. At this point, the dacoits intercepted the coach and opened fire, creating panic among passengers.
Robbers attacked a passenger bus on the Guddu-Kashmore Road in Ghotki and kidnapped 18 passengers. According to eyewitnesses, there were 25 people on the bus, including women. ‘The robbers left the women and took 18 men with them’. According to the police, the robbers also opened… pic.twitter.com/QVNF2c5zhT
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Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers smashed the bus windows before boarding the vehicle. They ordered 25 male passengers to disembark while sparing women and children from physical harm.
The kidnapped passengers were then taken towards the riverine Katcha area, which is known for criminal hideouts. The region has long posed challenges for law enforcement due to its difficult terrain and limited access.
Police officials said a team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and began chasing the attackers. During the exchange of gunfire, the bus driver sustained injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
No immediate confirmation was available regarding the condition of the abducted passengers. Authorities have not yet released their identities or details about their possible whereabouts.
Repeated attempts to contact the district police spokesperson for an official statement were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, security agencies are reportedly coordinating efforts to recover the kidnapped passengers and track down the perpetrators.
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The incident has raised concerns over passenger safety on interprovincial routes, particularly those passing through high-risk areas near the Punjab-Sindh border.