Top police officials given two days to improve performance

The provincial police chief has given a two-day ultimatum to the senior officers of his force to improve their performance.

The Inspector General of Sindh Police, Riffat Mukhtar Raja held a meeting with all DIGs and SSPs at the Central Police Office and discussed the issue of fugitive and wanted criminals.

Giving two days to the top officials, the IG expressed his frustration with several officers, including the AIG Karachi and warned that further complaints about their performance would not be tolerated.

The IG said, "If you are motivated only by financial incentives, I'm ready to allocate funds, ranging from Rs1 to 1.5 million. Police know where the network of criminals and smugglers operate from and the DIGs and SSPs have been briefed on these locations. These outlaws need to be apprehended."

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The police chief also raised concerns about the performance of 109 police stations in Karachi, stating that if police stations apprehend fugitives, the department would not face criticism. "I'm aware of how SHOs are appointed in Karachi," he added. The IG, addressing an officer present in the meeting, said that it was the time for action.

In a previous meeting, IG Raja had instructed the police to apprehend fugitives and wanted suspects. Notably, Larkana range topped the list with 31,126 absconders and 21,606 ad-accused, but the police force failed to make any arrests.

The situation in Karachi remains challenging, with a lack of commitment from some Sindh police officers..

During the meeting, the IG singled out an officer from Karachi, stating, "I understand how SHOs are appointed."

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Sources reveal that IG Raja possesses a comprehensive report from various institutions, detailing the situation in districts such as Qamber, Jacobabad, Ghotki, and others. This report raises questions about the overall performance of the Sindh police.

The absence of a concrete anti-smuggling policy has led to the failure in preventing smuggling, prompting the DIGs and SSPs to enact strict policies.

Despite the zero-tolerance policy in Karachi, 100 motorcycles have been stolen and 18 snatched. Additionally, five vehicles were stolen, three individuals lost their lives, and 17 others sustained injuries in criminal activities in different city areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2023.