After debates on strengthening Sindh’s law and order situation, President Asif Ali Zardari issued a series of directions to higher authorities, including a large-scale operation against street criminals in Karachi, katcha bandits, and the drug mafia throughout the province.
The directions were issued during a special meeting convened by the president at the Chief Minister (CM) House on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, chief secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director General (DG) Rangers Sindh, and other senior officials.
The forum assessed the province’s general law and order situation, with a focus on long-standing concerns such as Karachi street violence, katcha bandits, the drugs threat, land grabbing, foreign national security, and facility acquisition.
CM Shah briefed the president on the province’s current status, stating that it has improved following an operation in katcha (riverine) districts.
He noted that the Iranian president’s visit to the city, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket matches, and the peaceful organization of religious festivals were all signs of a better law and order situation.
The president was informed that Karachi was ranked sixth on the global crime index in 2014, but has since plummeted to 82nd.
During the meeting, Sindh Rangers DG Major General Azhar Waqas informed President Zardari that 5,357 crimes were registered in the first four months of 2024.
He informed the audience that street crime instances decreased in March and April. Overall, 49 persons were slain in 48 street crime instances, 43 accused were apprehended following investigations into 27 crimes, and 13 suspected were killed in confrontations.
Similarly, out of 136 occurrences in which 174 people were harmed, 49 were identified by detaining 114 suspects, and nine were killed in confrontations.
To combat street violence, the provincial police implemented critical steps such as reactivating Shaheen Force and reforming Madadgar 15, e-tagging repeat offenders, and the Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) project, which includes ANPR and face recognition cameras at 40 Sindh toll plazas.
In addition, 168 automobiles and 120 vehicles have been turned over to the police, according to Chief Minister Sindh.
President Zardari stated that the police must be aware of the locations where stolen automobiles and mobile phones are sold. He directed the police to take harsh action against the trading hubs where stolen assets were being traded.
The Katch Operation
Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon informed President Zardari that 107 police checkpoints had been placed on the left bank of the Indus River. Furthermore, 609 people have been apprehended after being kidnapped by thieves using honey traps, he said.
He stated that 103 persons were taken between January and April 2024, with 76 incidences reported and 47 complaints not filed by the victims. He stated that police were continuing their search for the 20 abducted individuals.
According to the provincial police commander, 63 dacoits were slain in the first four months of this year, with 120 suspects apprehended in injured condition and 418 others brought into jail.
During separate operations, 17 officers were killed and 27 wounded.
The president authorized the erection of police checkpoints on the right bank of the Indus River to strengthen security in Shikarpur and Kashmore.
Karachi Safe City, Northern Bypass Fencing
President Zardari directed responsible authorities to complete the Karachi Safe City project “on a war footing” in order to eliminate street crimes and other unlawful activities that threaten the port city’s law and order.
He also ordered the start of fence work on the Northern Bypass to deter katcha bandits’ operations. The president also directed that the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge be completed as soon as possible.
He also coordinated the start of development projects on both banks of the Indus River in Jamrud, Guddu, and Garhi Tego. Furthermore, local elites were required to serve on committees tasked with resolving tribal disputes in riverine areas.
It has been directed that a tri-party system be developed for efficient coordination between Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan provinces.
President Zardari also directed the police to take rigorous action against the drug mafia, as well as the Sindh government to raise parental awareness about the dangers of drugs.
The president issued guidelines requiring enhanced security measures for Chinese citizens. The provincial authorities have been informed that there would be a “zero tolerance” approach for land grabs.
He also directed the Sindh government to contact the Centre for the acquisition of equipment such as ammunition needed to maintain peace and order. He also commanded the removal of police personnel who failed to keep the calm.
Iqra Khan