The Director General of Sindh Rangers has proposed that the institution should be granted police powers to tackle the escalating crime rates in the province, emphasizing the need for special authority akin to that given in the past to combat terrorism.
This proposal arose during a meeting chaired by Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi of the Sindh High Court, which convened to address the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi, Larkana, Sukkur, and other areas of the province. Lasting over four hours, the meeting delved into the pressing concerns surrounding the surge in criminal activities.
In recent times, the southern province of Pakistan has witnessed a surge in crime, resulting in loss of lives and widespread concern. Street crimes and the presence of dacoits in the riverine areas, commonly referred to as Katcha, have significantly disrupted the peace.
Officials briefed the Sindh government last month on the alarming statistics, revealing nearly 16,000 street crimes recorded in the metropolis since January.
Home Minister Zia Lanjar and IGP Riffat Mukhtar disclosed that 7,822 street crime cases were reported in January 2024, followed by 5,876 in February and 2,234 in March (until March 12).
Addressing the issue of dacoits in the border regions of Punjab and Sindh, PPP leader Khursheed Shah assured that resolution efforts were underway and promised a resolution within a month.
Pakistan Rangers, in collaboration with the police, have been actively engaged in maintaining security across the province. The High Court summoned the Director General of Sindh Rangers, DIGs of Sukkur and Larkana, and police heads from various cities to discuss the situation.
The Rangers DG highlighted the lack of police-like powers outside Karachi, stressing the necessity for such authority to enable effective action against criminal elements.
Expressing grave concerns over the province’s law and order situation, SHC CJ Abbasi instructed officials to restore peace in Karachi and other cities within a month, urging joint operations by police and Rangers.
He emphasized the need for strict action against those backing dacoits in riverine areas, asserting that even influential patrons must be held accountable under the law.
Furthermore, CJ Abbasi criticized the frequent transfers of SSPs and called for stability in leadership roles. Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon assured reporters after the meeting that efforts would be made to ensure peace and order throughout the province, with a progress report scheduled for presentation in a follow-up meeting in 15 days.
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