Gunmen open fire on vehicles near Sadiqabad, injuring three

At least three people sustained injuries, while two others were kidnapped when armed katcha dacoits opened fire on vehicles traveling along the Sukkur–Multan M-5 Motorway.

Late last night, a major incident occurred on the motorway between Sadiqabad and Kashmore when more than two dozen armed dacoits opened fire on vehicles. The attackers targeted trucks, buses, and cars, damaging many by bursting tires and shattering windows. Police sources confirmed that at least three passengers were seriously injured in the attack. They were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. During the assault, the criminals also kidnapped two passengers, identified as Imran and Umar, both residents of Nawabshah.

After the attack, the dacoits fled towards the katcha area, using the difficult terrain to escape. Motorway police and local law enforcement immediately rushed to the site after receiving emergency calls. In response, the road was temporarily closed at Azampur Service Area and Guddu Interchange to protect travelers and secure the area. Authorities have launched an investigation to trace the attackers and recover the abducted passengers. A search operation is underway, with law enforcement trying to block possible escape routes of the criminals.

Officials stated that the incident highlights the growing challenges of bandit activity in areas close to the katcha belt, where criminals often take shelter after attacks. Security forces are now reviewing measures to strengthen patrols and surveillance on vulnerable routes.