JACOBABAD: Sindh’s Chief Minister Adviser on Forest and Wildlife, Babal Khan Bhayo, has resigned from his post. He called for a ‘transparent inquiry’ into the case of smuggling heavy weapons to the Katcha area dacoits.
According to reports, the Sindh police thwarted an attempt to smuggle arms to the Katcha area dacoits and apprehended seven individuals, including three policemen allegedly involved in the offense, in Shikarpur on Friday.
A police spokesperson disclosed that thousands of bullets and two Kalashnikovs were seized from the arrested individuals during the operation.
The spokesperson emphasized that the arms consignment was being transported from Balochistan to Shikarpur in a police vehicle assigned to the security of the CM Adviser.
Further details revealed that the smuggled weapons were intended for delivery to the Katcha area dacoits. Adviser Babal Khan Bhayo has announced his resignation from the post to facilitate a transparent inquiry.
In a statement issued, Babal Khan Bhayo urged the Sindh government to conduct an impartial investigation and make its findings public.
Meanwhile, in Jacobabad, the Moladad police, with Inspector Ishtiaq Ahmed as the complainant, have filed a case against four arms smugglers, one ASI, and two other policemen under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The named suspects in the case include Ikhtiar Ahmed Lashari, Nabeel Ahmed Bhayo, Taufiq Ahmed Gujjar, and Zakir Hussain Bhayo.
Police ASI Imtiaz Ahmed Bhayo and constables Sanaullah Manganhar and Baqaullah Unnar have also been implicated in the case for allegedly escorting the smugglers’ vehicle.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the police vehicle and officials involved hail from Shikarpur district. “Two rifles, 20 various types of magazines, and 2350 rounds were recovered from the double cabin vehicle,” as stated in the FIR.
Earlier, a pivotal session of the National Action Plan Implementation Review Committee convened at the National Counterterrorism Authority (Nacta) Headquarters, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The gathering delved into vital issues aimed at fortifying security measures and combatting criminal elements nationwide.
A major decision emerged from the meeting to execute a joint operation targeting robbers and criminal elements in the Katcha area. Minister Naqvi emphasized the operation’s aim to permanently eradicate nefarious elements from the region, leveraging modern technology, including drones, for heightened effectiveness.
The minister affirmed the accumulation of comprehensive intelligence regarding the Katcha area, signaling preparedness for the forthcoming operation. Furthermore, notable progress in recent months was acknowledged in thwarting trafficking activities, attributing the achievement to concerted institutional efforts. Naqvi underscored the necessity for all institutions to enforce strict legal action against traffickers through a unified strategy.
Discussions also revolved around furnishing police forces nationwide with modern technology, emphasizing its pivotal role in combating terrorism effectively. Security arrangements for Chinese citizens were meticulously reviewed, with proposed restrictions on movement for non-compliance with prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) scrutinized. Detailed briefings by provincial police chiefs elucidated security measures for Chinese citizens across the country.
The forum meticulously assessed foolproof security arrangements for the impending visit of the Iranian president in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. Naqvi reiterated the imperative of 100% SOP implementation for Chinese nationals’ security, warning against any laxity, with strict disciplinary measures promised for non-compliance.
