I lighway robbery is on rise at different areas of 16 northern districts due to lack of necessary manpower and inaction oflawenforcers.

Over 25 robberies were committed on various roads in these dis-t ricts just before Eid or soon after (he Eid. Police, however, admitted (hat some 12 robberies were committed duringthisperiod.

Passengers and transport workers said that most of the robberies look place duringnighttime. In most cases, the bandits decamped with booty after mercilessly beating up coach drivers and passengers, they added.

The armed robbers also beat up truck drivers and helpers and looted their valuables at gunpoint. The truck owners generally do not lodge cases to avoid unnecessary harassment by police.