KATCHA: The Sindh government has announced a major joint operation with Punjab to target dacoits operating in the riverine Katcha areas, a notorious region plagued by criminal activities. This decision was revealed during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, which focused on enhancing law and order in the Sukkur and Larkana Ranges. The operation will officially begin from the Ghotki district, where both Sindh and Punjab police forces will work together to eliminate the threat posed by dacoits.
The meeting, attended by key law enforcement officials including Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sukkur Nasir Aftab, provided a comprehensive briefing on the progress of current police actions. Authorities shared that police forces were already active in the Katcha areas, dismantling dacoit hideouts and cracking down on their facilitators using modern technologies like drone surveillance and intelligence-based operations.
Lanjar commended the performance of the police forces and emphasized that any challenges faced during the operation would be addressed, with the Sindh government fully supporting law enforcement agencies. He urged a zero-tolerance policy against criminals, stressing that no one would be above the law.
The Home Minister also requested immediate recommendations for logistical support needed for the joint operation, including drones, weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, to ensure smooth and effective action. Lanjar’s instructions also included ensuring coordination between Sindh and Punjab police leadership for the operation’s success.
Speaking to the media, Lanjar confirmed that the operation would be closely monitored and that resources would be allocated without delay to sustain the momentum of the crackdown. He further stated that the dacoits were being given one last chance to surrender and join the national mainstream. Those who refuse to comply will face elimination through state force.
The government’s actions have received praise from locals, as previous efforts to fight dacoit groups have faced setbacks. The home minister also reiterated that the law would apply equally to all criminals, promising swift action against those responsible for the recent murder of journalist Jan Muhammad Mehr. With a strong resolve, Lanjar assured that the provincial police could maintain control and prevent the need for military intervention, as operations to restore peace would continue relentlessly.
