The provincial APEX committee, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Sundh, has approved a joint comprehensive operation by the Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers to combat dacoits in the Sukkur and Larkana divisions of Sindh. This decision was made during the 28th meeting of the committee in Karachi.
In addition to the joint operation, the committee has also agreed to crack down on street crime, drug mafia, and the operation of illegal hydrants in Karachi. Furthermore, it has been decided to resume the halted construction work on the Ghotki-Kashmore bridge on the River Indus.
The CM emphasized the importance of eliminating dacoits and curbing street criminals, drug mafia, and illegal operations of hydrants, as it would enhance people’s confidence in the government and its institutions. The CM also directed the IG Police to improve the overall condition of police stations in the city.
The CM expressed dismay over the dacoits obstructing the construction of the Ghotki-Kashmore bridge, resulting in the work being halted. Consequently, Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar has instructed the Rangers and police forces to provide immediate security at the site.
During the meeting, Home Minister Brig (rtd) Haris Nawaz and IG Police Riffat Mukhtar provided a briefing on the law and order situation, particularly regarding kidnapping for ransom. They revealed that a total of 220 persons were kidnapped in 2023, with the highest number of kidnappings occurring in Larkana (128), followed by Sukkur (46), Karachi (42), Hyderabad (3), and Shaheed Benazirabad (1). Of the kidnapped individuals, 210 have been recovered, leaving only 10 still missing.
The IG Police reported that there are only around 50 to 60 notorious dacoits, with the rest being their tribesmen living in the area. He also stated that lists of these dacoits have been prepared to effectively deal with them during the operation.
According to the meeting, a joint operation involving the Rangers and Pak Army has already been planned. Rangers have been deployed alongside the police for operations, and a crackdown on organized weapon smuggling has commenced. The security forces have already seized a cache of military-grade weapons in Ghotki, thanks to the support of intelligence agencies.
However, the meeting revealed that the purchase of sophisticated military-grade weapons, including sniper rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, night vision devices, and drones, is pending due to the lack of a formal NOC from the Ministry of Interior/ Defence. Corps Commander Karachi assured that he has given his clearance, and only the Minister of Interior has to issue the NOC.
At the CM’s instruction, the Chief Secretary has been tasked with discussing the NOC with the Ministry of Interior, so that the weapons can be purchased from the Pak Army. The IG police also shared a comprehensive plan for a joint operation to clear the hideouts in the Katcha area, which includes arranging air cover for the advised troops.
The meeting revealed that 18 forward base camps are being established in the Katcha areas of Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Sukkur. Additionally, 400 police check posts are being set up, with 210 already constructed and 3,200 policemen deployed. The CM reassured that all the expenses related to the operation will be met and released in a timely manner.