KARACHI: Caretaker Chief Minister, retired Justice Maqbool Baqar, has ordered the suspension of internet services in the riverine (katcha) areas of the province of Sindh as part of an effort to intensify law enforcement operations against bandits who are holding people hostage in these areas.
This directive follows a stern warning by Sindh’s caretaker Minister for Law and Human Rights, Muhammed Umar Soomro, who said that any feudal lord or politician having association with these criminals would face legal proceedings.
The provincial police chief reported during a briefing to the Sindh cabinet that a total of 218 individuals had been abducted in the riverine areas of the province in 2023. According to him, the police have successfully rescued 207 of these individuals.
Out of the 11 individuals currently held captive, seven are from Larkana, three from Shaheed Benazirabad, and one from Sukkur. The chief minister instructed authorities to take immediate measures to secure the release of the remaining abductees.
The riverine areas have a total population of 0.4 million, with 238 villages, eight police stations, and 20 checkposts. The chief minister emphasized the deployment of capable police officers to all these stations and called for the replacement of underperforming police personnel. He also stressed the need for regular reporting on abducted individuals.
Furthermore, the chief minister highlighted the importance of reopening the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge to enhance the law and order situation.
Proactive Measures Announced
The meeting also decided to take decisive action against the drug mafia in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force. Addressing concerns over street crimes in parts of the province, the chief minister expressed that individuals should not fear carrying mobile phones openly and called for a comprehensive operation against street crimes.
In addition, the meeting reached a consensus on deploying Rangers in Karachi for a period of six months, starting from September 14, 2023, until February 2024, to maintain law and order in the metropolis.
