GHOTKI: Armed assailants targeted a police checkpost in Machhka area in Rahim Yar Khan, close to the border between Sindh and Punjab, and kidnapped seven policemen including an ASI early on Sunday.

According to details, all kidnapped are Punjab Police personnel. So far none of them has been recovered.

Soon after the incident, a search and recovery operation was initiated by Sindh and Punjab Police in adjoining areas.

Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif took serious notice of the kidnappings and ordered authorities to retrieve the abducted personnel at any cost.

It is worthwhile to mention here that an operation against criminal elements was underway in the kutcha area of Ronti Ubauro since two weeks. During the operation, an SHO was killed and several cops injured.

Know more: SHO dies, three constables hurt in rocket attack by dacoits.

Meanwhile, on the recommendation of Punjab Police, the federal government has provided two helicopters to assist in recovering the abducted officials.

According to police sources, the recovery operation was underway at the time this report was filed, with heavy exchange of fire between both sides.