Govt to extend CTD across Sindh

Allocates Rs2.8b extra budget for weapons, vehicles

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has decided to extend the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) across the province in view of terrorist attacks in the country, sources in Home Department said.

The provincial authorities have adopted the new approach to extend CTD jurisdiction across the province as part of stringent security measures in the backdrop of terror threats, officials said requesting anonymity.

The top executive of the province has given official nod to add Rs2.83 billion to CTD budget. Details indicate that the Sindh government is also examining the issue seriously following the terrorist attacks in the nation, which has prompted all law enforcement authorities to evaluate the security measures.

The Sindh administration has decided to bolster security measures throughout the province. To guarantee the establishment of peace and order in the province, the Sindh government has made the decision to deploy CTD across the province.

The Sindh government has decided that following Karachi, CTD will be expanded to Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpur Khas, and Nawabshah in the first phase. However, the Sindh government has increased the CTD budget by Rs2.83 billion rupees, which will be used to acquire equipment and weapons for CTD worth Rs72.28 million. Additionally, new vehicles worth Rs800 million will be purchased for the officers and staff in order to extend the CTD throughout Sindh.

While seven additional prosecutors will be hired in an effort to strengthen the criminal justice system, from whom legal assistance will be sought.

Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon has ordered the department to remain on high alert keeping in view the blast in a mosque in Peshawar Police Lines.

He instructed to tighten the security at all religious places including mosques, Imam Bargahs and others. Sindh police chief said the patrolling and snap checking should be made stricter and effective.

Crackdown on crimes should be made successful through advanced surveillance and intelligence collection in the areas.

Memon said continuous communication should be maintained with other law enforcement agencies including at zonal, districts and police stations level.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2023.