Sabahat Sarwar
Karachi: Inspector General of Police Sindh, Javed Alam Odho, has further intensified the ongoing operation against riverine bandits under the title “Nijaat-e-Mehran”. Speaking at a press briefing at the Central Police Office Karachi, alongside the Additional Inspector General of Police (Operations) Iqbal Dara. The IGP Sindh said that a comprehensive and decisive operation was launched on January 1 in the Katcha belt to curb kidnapping for ransom, dacoity and other entrenched criminal activities. He said the primary objective of the operation is to remove these areas from the list of no-go zones and transform them into peaceful and stable regions.
Sindh IGP said that during recent operations, a large number of notorious and dangerous criminals were neutralized, while several were arrested in injured condition and many voluntarily surrendered before the police. He said that in 113 police encounters were reported, resulting in 27 dacoits being killed, 82 injured, and 77 arrested, while 123 criminals surrendered to law enforcement agencies. He added that 15 abducted citizens were safely recovered from the custody of kidnappers.
Odho further said that under the full patronage of the Sindh Government, the Sindh Police, Pakistan Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies are carrying out coordinated and joint operations under a unified strategy to ensure effective results. Highlighting the challenges posed by criminal networks operating along the border areas of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, the IGP Sindh said that inter-provincial coordination is being further strengthened. He added that close liaison has been established with the Punjab Police and other security institutions, while aerial surveillance and modern monitoring systems are also being expanded to counter cross-border criminal activity.
The IGP Sindh said that following the restoration of peace in the Katcha areas, steps would be taken with the support of the Sindh Government to revive economic, agricultural, educational, and social activities. He added that planning is underway for the establishment of schools, initiation of development projects, and facilitation of welfare organizations to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for the local population. Concluding the briefing, he said that the operation will continue until criminal elements are completely eliminated from the Katcha areas.
