KARACHI – In a high-level move to purge the province of narcotics and organized crime, the Sindh Government has announced the formation of a Special Task Force and the establishment of dedicated narcotics courts for the speedy trial of drug traffickers.
The decisions were finalized during a crucial meeting of the Sindh Assembly Standing Committee on Home Affairs, presided over by Chairperson Faryal Talpur. The session focused on a multi-pronged agenda, including the narcotics trade, street crime, the ongoing “Katcha” (riverine) operations, and the development of the Sindh Forensic Science Laboratory.
Zero Tolerance for Drug Mafia
Chairperson Faryal Talpur emphasized that drugs are devastating the younger generation and urged every citizen to join the fight against this social evil. She stated that the police must become a symbol of fear for drug peddlers and that the primary goal is to break the supply chain through organized checking at border areas and random inspections.
Judicial Reforms and Law Enforcement
Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar informed the committee that special courts will soon be functional to ensure exemplary punishment for drug cartels through fast-track trials. A joint camp featuring the ANF, Customs, Excise, and Police is already operational at provincial borders. IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho briefed the meeting that out of the high-priority targets, 133 major drug dealers have been arrested, with 145 FIRs registered. Currently, 107 of these suspects are behind bars as the network’s backbone is being dismantled.
Success in Katcha Areas
The Interior Minister noted that the operation in the riverine areas, initiated on the special directives of President Asif Ali Zardari, has successfully neutralized many bandits and their facilitators. The government plans to launch infrastructure projects in these areas under the next Annual Development Programme (ADP) to provide long-term peace and rehabilitation for locals. In recognition of their bravery, the committee announced the nomination of several high-ranking officers for Civil Awards, including DIG Larkana Nasir Aftab, SSP Samiullah Soomro, SSP Murad Ghanghro, SSP Shahzeb Chachar, and SSP Anwar Khetran.
