Kashmore has been in the chronic grip of criminality for a long time, with rare instances of the state seemingly taking action. Despite claims from senior officials, including Sindh’s Home Minister and Inspector General of Police, about improved law and order in Kashmore district, reality paints a grim picture. Located in upper Sindh, Kashmore-Kandhkot has descended into a haven for criminals, where peace is a distant memory. Once plagued by kidnappings, honey traps, snatchings, and robberies, the region now grapples with rampant murders and extortion as daily norms.
The state’s authority lies in tatters. It grants criminals free rein to operate and escape without consequence. Brazenly, they parade their crimes on highways, record videos, and flaunt their defiance on platforms like TikTok. The local police, compromised by political interference and elite influence, appear to have lost control as shown by the frequent ambushes on law enforcement. Despite repeated ‘grand operations’ touted by authorities, these efforts are mere facades and yield no tangible results.
In just the past two months, tribal clashes have claimed numerous lives while extortion and robberies continue unabated. Over half the population has received threatening chits or calls demanding money with many facing injury or death for resisting. The people of Kashmore, despite their constitutional right to safety, live in perpetual fear. Will anyone heed their cries?
Imdad Hussain Lashari
Kandhkot
