Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today pledged a relentless campaign against dacoits in the Riverine areas and unlawful water hydrants in Karachi.
He declared, ‘We will not permit criminal organizations to take advantage of the public.’ Shah stressed that access to water is a fundamental public right and must be safeguarded.
The Chief Minister made these pronouncements during a high-level security and water supply meeting at CM House on Tuesday. Senior ministers, the Karachi Corps Commander, the chief secretary, and other high-ranking civil and military officers were present.
The session evaluated the security situation in the Katcha region, leading to decisions to bolster law enforcement and intelligence-based operations against bandits. Shah underscored the commitment to employing all necessary actions to reinstate peace, including firm measures against criminals, while offering a legal avenue to those who choose to surrender. ‘We are resolved to bring tranquility to the Katcha area through stringent action if required, but those willing to give themselves up will have a chance to rehabilitate,’ he affirmed.
Since October 2024, intensified technology-driven operations in Katcha have yielded 760 targeted and 352 search operations. Since January 2024, approximately 159 bandits have been neutralized, 823 apprehended, and eight high-profile criminals eliminated. These operations also led to the retrieval of 962 diverse weapons. The assembly also deliberated on long-term developmental initiatives for Katcha, encompassing infrastructure projects like roads, educational and healthcare facilities, improved transportation, and the planned Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge, slated to begin after the recent floods.
In Karachi, the meeting assessed strategies to combat illegal hydrant and tanker activities. Reportedly, 243 unauthorized hydrants have been dismantled, 212 First Information Reports (FIRs) filed, and 103 people detained. Tankers are now registered with QR codes to enhance accountability. These actions have generated an extra Rs60 million in revenue for the Water Board. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering stance against illicit hydrants, stating, ‘We will not allow racketeers to exploit the citizens of Karachi. Water is a fundamental right, and its protection is paramount.’