In a significant move to address security concerns and maintain law and order, the Sindh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar, has taken several decisive steps. During a recent meeting, a series of important decisions were made to ensure the safety and well-being of the province’s residents.
One of the key decisions revolves around the launch of a comprehensive joint operation in the katcha area, which will involve the collaborative efforts of the local police, Rangers, and the valuable assistance of Army troops. This operation is designed to address pressing security issues and restore law and order in the region.
In a bid to maintain strict control over the flow of information during the operation, the caretaker chief minister ordered the immediate termination of internet services in the katcha area.
Furthermore, the cabinet greenlit the deployment of Rangers in Karachi for an initial period of six months, commencing from September 14, 2023, and extending through February 2024. This deployment is poised to fortify security measures across the city.
Additionally, the Sindh Cabinet has made the strategic decision to initiate a crackdown on the drug mafia in close cooperation with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), aiming to curb the illicit drug trade within the province.
Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar has issued a clear directive to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh to spearhead a resolute operation against street criminals in Karachi. He emphasized the government’s paramount duty to provide citizens with a secure environment and expressed concern that individuals could not openly carry mobile phones due to security apprehensions, deeming this situation unacceptable.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Baqar directed the responsible authorities to send drug addicts to rehabilitation centers, underscoring the importance of rehabilitation efforts in combating drug-related issues.
During the meeting, the IG Police provided a detailed briefing on the state of law and order in the province. Notably, 218 individuals were kidnapped this year, with 207 successfully recovered. However, 11 individuals remain in captivity, including three in Shaheed Benazirabad, seven in Larkana, and one in Sukkur district.
The katcha area, which is the focal point of the operation, encompasses approximately four lac residents, 238 villages, eight police stations, and 20 police check-posts.
Chief Minister Maqbool Baqar called for the swift recovery of the remaining hostages and emphasized the need to maintain close communication with the families of the abductees.
In a further step to enhance security in the katcha area, Chief Minister Baqar directed the deployment of police officers with strong reputations, along with the transfer of those failing to perform.
The caretaker chief minister has also instructed the IGP to provide regular progress reports on the recovery efforts for the 11 hostages.
Lastly, Chief Minister Baqar announced the resumption of work on the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge, expressing optimism that the completion of this infrastructure project will not only open up the area but also lead to improvements in the overall law and order situation.
