Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday announced plans for a major operation against bandits operating in the katcha areas of the province, vowing “ruthless action” against criminal elements.
Speaking to journalists in Sukkur alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police, the minister said that dacoits who surrender their weapons would be given an opportunity, while those who resist would face strict action.
In response to a question, Lanjar said there was currently no need to involve the army in the operation, adding that Rangers would assist the Sindh Police during the crackdown.
He warned that firm action would be taken against dacoits who consider themselves “champions” and believe they are beyond the reach of law enforcement.
The home minister said the Punjab Police could also be engaged if required and confirmed that he had directed the Sindh IGP to coordinate with his counterpart in Punjab for operational support.
Lanjar said the overall law and order situation in Sindh had improved, noting that security convoys were no longer being escorted anywhere in the province.
He added that action was also underway against facilitators who provide support to criminal groups operating in the katcha areas.
The minister expressed optimism that the long-running Jatoi-Mehr tribal dispute would be resolved soon and said efforts were also in progress to address and end other tribal conflicts across Sindh.