In a recent Apex Committee meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, decisive steps were outlined to curb the purchase and sale of stolen goods in Karachi’s markets, alongside bolstering police presence along the left bank of the River Indus to tackle dacoit activities.
“The recovery of ransom from kidnapped individuals’ families will be treated as terror financing, and those aiding in the collection will be targeted through intelligence operations,” stated Murad Ali Shah.
Attended by key officials including Provincial Minister of Information Sharjeel Inam Memon, Home Minister Zia Lanjar, and top law enforcement representatives, discussions centered on the reduction of street crimes, particularly mobile and vehicle thefts.
Statistics revealed a decrease in theft incidents compared to the previous year. However, there was a slight increase in vehicle snatching cases. Notably, mobile phone snatching witnessed a significant decline.
Efforts to combat street crime were intensified with police conducting encounters resulting in the arrest of several criminals and the recovery of various weapons.
Additional measures included the reactivation of the Shaheen Force and enhancement of police patrolling in identified hotspots. Plans were also underway to revamp the Madadgar-15 helpline and implement E-tagging for repeat offenders.
Moreover, initiatives were announced to strengthen the Command and Control Centre and intensify anti-smuggling operations. Noteworthy seizures of smuggled goods were reported, indicating progress in interagency coordination.
Addressing concerns over dacoit activities in certain districts, efforts were underway to secure the right bank of the River Indus. The construction of police pickets and deployment of additional personnel aimed to ensure the safety of residents and workers in these areas.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of expediting key infrastructure projects such as the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge, essential for regional connectivity and development.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security across the province.