Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Tuesday stated that the Sindh Police have achieved remarkable and decisive successes against dacoits in the riverine (katcha) areas under a zero-tolerance policy. He said that the dacoits now have only two options: either surrender or meet their end.
Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office, Karachi, regarding the successful operations carried out by Sukkur Zone Police against dacoits in the katcha areas, the Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar informed that on December 15, fourteen passengers traveling on a coach from Sadiqabad to Quetta were abducted in the border area of Ghotki. The police responded immediately with swift and effective action.
Under the leadership of DIG Sukkur, DIG Larkana, SSP Ghotki, SSP Khairpur, and other senior officers, police teams pursued the abductors, with two SSPs and one DSP personally present in the field. He stated that the abductors had taken the hostages through the katcha routes into Punjab’s jurisdiction; however, with full cooperation from the Rangers and the Punjab government, the Sindh Police launched a joint operation, resulting in the safe recovery of all passengers. Unfortunately, one hostage suffered a heart attack during captivity, and his body was recovered the following day.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that during the operation, secret hideouts of the dacoits were destroyed and several dangerous criminals were killed, including Chhalo Bakhsharani, who carried a bounty of Rs. 5 million. Other key criminals may also met their end. Modern weapons were recovered from the dacoits and seized.
Despite harsh weather conditions, he paid tribute to the continuous efforts of the police, Rangers, and other institutions, stating that these successes were made possible with the cooperation of the Intelligence Bureau and other agencies.
Praising the outstanding performance of DIG Sukkur Faisal Abdullah Chachar, SSP Anwar Khetran, DIG Larkana, and all officers and personnel, the Sindh Home Minister announced that commendation certificates, cash rewards, and recommendations for civil awards would be made for officers and personnel of Sukkur and Larkana zones. He further announced that recommendations for QPM and PPM would be submitted for DIG Sukkur, DIG Larkana, SSP Ghotki, SSP Khairpur, DSP Ubauro, and other officers. He added that no-go areas in the katcha regions have been eliminated and that officers no longer wait as in the past but take immediate and effective action.He made it clear that dacoits have never received political patronage, nor will they in the future.
Speaking about extortion in Karachi, the Sindh Home Minister said that five major networks – led by Wasiullah Lakho, Jameel Chhanga, Bahadur PMT, and Gul Sher Jagirani-were active and operating from abroad. In operations conducted by the SIU, 32 criminals were arrested, seven were injured, one was killed, and several facilitators have been taken into custody.
He informed that a Red Notice against Wasiullah Lakho has reached Interpol Headquarters in France, while legal requirements against other accused are also being completed swiftly.
The Sindh Home Minister appealed to traders to approach the police directly instead of holding press conferences, for which a dedicated WhatsApp group for traders has also been established.
In conclusion, the Sindh Home Minister said, ‘Officers may leave, but their legacy remains. IGP Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon is leaving behind a strong system, and the incoming IGs will also follow the same policy. There is no place for criminals in Sindh.’
Inspector General of Police Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, stated that comprehensive and effective actions against extortion networks are underway across the province while remaining within the bounds of the law, and that important legal stages are being completed swiftly. He said that Wasiullah Lakho tops the list of those involved in extortion cases, and law enforcement agencies are working under a serious and coordinated strategy to arrest him.
The IGP Sindh further stated that a Red Notice against Wasiullah Lakho was sent to Interpol Headquarters in France a week ago, which is a significant step in the international legal process. According to him, the necessary documents and correspondence regarding Ahmed Ali Mugsi and Sanif Kathiawari have reached Islamabad, from where the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has forwarded the relevant letters onward.
He added that within the next one or two days, these letters will reach the concerned forums for further legal proceedings. The IGP Sindh clarified that the preparation and verification of documents under international legal requirements take some time; however, the Sindh Police are completing all stages on a priority basis.