A single moment of negligence can undo months of investigation. On Wednesday morning, such a lapse allowed a criminal suspect to vanish in broad daylight
A suspect escaped. Shots were fired. A villager lost his life. Fear is rising, and people are asking: who is protecting them?
The Incident
An under-trial suspect escaped from the custody of the Crime Control Department (CCD).
The incident occurred on Old Harappa Road. Police identified the suspect as Altaf Thatha, a resident of Dera Ghazi Khan. He was under interrogation in a criminal case. The suspect was being transported in a CCD mobile van for a recovery operation.
How the Escape Happened
Near Jhal, the vehicle was forced to stop. A traffic jam had developed due to an overturned tractor-trolley. When CCD personnel stepped out to clear the road, the suspect seized the opportunity. He fled into nearby standing crops. Constable Basharat Masih briefly spotted him.
However, within minutes, the suspect disappeared.
A search operation was launched immediately. Despite efforts, CCD officials failed to trace him by the time of filing the report. A new case was registered against the suspect on the complaint of Inspector Muhammad Khurram Gul.
Police Encounter in Chichawatni
Exchange of Fire
A police constable and two suspected dacoits were injured in a late-night encounter. The incident took place near village 38/12-L in Chichawatni tehsil. Police said four armed men had set up a temporary picket near the 12/L Canal. They were reportedly robbing villagers.
When a Saddar Police mobile unit reached the area, the vehicle came under fire. Reinforcements were called without delay. Another unit surrounded the suspects from the opposite side. The shootout lasted nearly 20 minutes.
Arrests and Recovery
Constable Khizer Hayat was wounded in the exchange. Two suspects were also injured, while two others escaped under cover of darkness. The arrested men were identified as Zahid Tulha and Umer Lohar. Police recovered two 30-bore pistols and four stolen mobile phones. A case was registered on the complaint of SHO Ghaffar Ahmed.
Protest After Fatal Shooting in Pakpattan
The Tragedy
A farmer was shot dead for resisting cattle theft in the Bunga Hayat area. The incident occurred late Monday night. Maqbool heard his goats bleating and discovered three men attempting to steal them. When spotted, the suspects opened fire as his brothers, Riaz and Shabbir, rushed to help.
Shabbir was shot in the stomach. The attackers fled with seven goats and a rifle. Despite being taken to Pakpattan DHQ Hospital, Shabbir later succumbed to his injuries.
Public Outrage
The killing sparked anger across the area.Villagers blocked the Bunga Hayat–Depalpur Road for over an hour. Traffic remained disrupted as residents demanded swift justice. DPO Javed Chadhar assured protesters that the culprits would be arrested within 48 hours. Police later registered a case against three unidentified suspects.
Critical Analysis: A Pattern of Lawlessness
These incidents highlight a troubling pattern. Criminals are becoming increasingly bold. From roadside extortion to armed robberies and fatal violence, lawlessness continues to threaten ordinary citizens.
The escape of a suspect from official custody is particularly alarming. Such lapses weaken public trust and embolden offenders. When suspects evade justice, communities feel unprotected and institutions appear vulnerable.
The Pakpattan killing further exposes the human cost of crime. A simple act of defending property ended in death. This reflects not only criminal aggression, but also the absence of deterrence at the grassroots level.
Role of the CCD in Curbing Crime
The Crime Control Department was created to combat organized crime, armed gangs, and repeat offenders. Its mandate includes intelligence-based operations, recoveries, and high-risk arrests.
However, the recent escape underscores the need for:
- Stricter transport protocols for suspects
- Improved training in high-risk custody handling
- Better coordination during roadside operations
- Accountability in cases of procedural lapses
While the CCD has delivered results through arrests and recoveries, operational weaknesses can undo progress.
Effective crime control requires not only action, but precision, discipline, and institutional transparency.
Conclusion
These events are not isolated. They are warnings. A suspect slipping away, a policeman wounded, a farmer killed — each incident points to a justice system under pressure. Strengthening the CCD, improving operational discipline, and restoring public confidence are no longer optional. They are essential for restoring order and safeguarding lives.