Sindh govt announces major operation against Katcha Dacoits

KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced plans for a large-scale security operation against criminal gangs operating in the Katcha areas of the province, with a focus on eliminating notorious dacoits and restoring law and order.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said all available resources would be utilised to carry out targeted operations against dangerous and hardened criminals. He added that dacoits willing to surrender would be given an opportunity to lay down their arms, but warned that those who consider themselves untouchable would face strict action.

The home minister said assistance from the Punjab Police could be sought if required, though he clarified that there was currently no need to involve the army in the operation. He stressed that facilitators aiding the dacoits would not be spared under any circumstances.

Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said detailed meetings had been held with senior police officials from the Sukkur and Larkana ranges to review the law and order situation. He said special focus would now be placed on Sukkur, Kashmore and adjoining areas, which have witnessed repeated incidents of criminal activity.

He also revealed that several individuals kidnapped from Sindh were successfully recovered from Punjab, thanking the Punjab government and security agencies for their cooperation. The home minister said the Rangers and other law enforcement agencies were fully supporting the ongoing efforts.

Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy, Lanjar said indiscriminate action would be taken against all notorious criminals, regardless of their influence or background. He again urged dacoits to surrender voluntarily, warning that those who resist would face decisive action.

The home minister assured that the killers of Jan Muhammad Mehar would be arrested soon and maintained that the Sindh Police was fully capable of handling the situation without the need for a military operation. He added that while there are currently no convoys on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), steps are being taken to further improve overall security in the region.

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