For the past many years, gangs of dacoits have operated in the katcha areas of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan causing unrest and instability within and in adjacent areas. Provincial police departments have struggled to trace and capture dacoits because they lack surveillance and modern field weapons. The gangs on the other hand possess sophisticated weapons, which allow them to target and attack police officers. In the last few months, honey-trapping and incidents of kidnapping for ransom have spiked spreading fear and insecurity in urban cities.
In an attempt to restrain the gangs and restore safety, the Sindh provincial cabinet announced their decision to launch a joint operation aimed at cleaning up dacoits in the katcha areas of the three provinces. The police of Punjab and Balochistan, Rangers and the Pakistan Army will participate in the operation. The operation offers the provincial police a rare opportunity to work collaboratively to eliminate hardened criminals and gangs. In the past year, Karachi and other cities in Sindh have witnessed a surge in street crimes, robberies and murders. Sindh police and many others believe the criminals have links with gangs based in katcha areas. Thus, Sindh police should utilise the operation to root out the criminal elements from the province with the surveillance and expertise of different departments.
The Home Department will seek a No Objection Certificate from the Ministry of Interior to purchase sophisticated Military-Grade Field and surveillance weapons to track criminals. For years, these gangs have targeted people indiscriminately and are feared to continue exploiting innocent civilians as they procure new weapons and digital devices. All involved departments must ensure that the operation yields result instead of being added to a long list of unsuccessful exercises.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2023.
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