Riverine areas get dispensaries, schools

Punjab Police sets up facilities in makeshift tents amid ongoing operations against criminals

LAHORE:

The Punjab Police has set up schools and dispensaries for the residents of riverine area. In the schools, police personnel are serving as teachers, whereas medics are working in the dispensaries. Free medical facilities are being provided to residents, particularly to children and the elderly, said RPO Bahwalpur Rai Babar Saeed.

Due to the absence of adequate buildings and infrastructure, the schools and dispensaries have been set up in makeshift tents. Books and other essentials are being provided free of cost to children coming to the police schools, while various medicines and first aid facilities are being provided free of charge by the Punjab Police.

A police spokesperson stated that residents in the riverine areas are very excited and happy with the schools and dispensary, as the children’s health will be improved.

Operations against criminal elements and gangs in the riverine areas are still ongoing, particularly in Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur. Most of the areas have been cleared of criminals by police during the operation, which has been ongoing for 36 days.

In an operation by Rahim Yar Khan Police, three suspects were killed and twenty-eight were arrested, while five surrendered. Heavy weapons were seized while several hideouts were permanently removed. Schools and dispensaries have been set up at Katani Chak Charagh Shah, an area cleared by RPO Bahawalpur.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2023.