Rahim Yar Khan, August 23 — At least 11 policemen were killed and seven others injured in an ambush by gunmen in Kacha town, Rahim Yar Khan district, Punjab province, on Thursday. The attack occurred while the policemen were patrolling the area in search of robbers.

According to reports, the assailants used a rocket launcher to target the police vehicle. Authorities believe that the attackers were likely robbers rather than members of an armed group. The Punjab Inspector General's office has confirmed that the robbers were equipped with heavy weaponry.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for "immediate and effective action" against those responsible for the attack. This incident underscores a troubling rise in violence, with attacks on police becoming increasingly frequent.

Earlier the same day, gunmen targeted a school van in Punjab, killing two children and injuring six others. Responsibility for this attack has not been claimed.

The frequency of attacks by armed groups has been increasing in Pakistan, though such a significant loss of police life in a single incident is rare. Security forces frequently conduct raids to combat dacoits who operate in rural and forested areas, often engaging in kidnappings and other violent crimes.