Sindh, Punjab unite to eradicate outlaws
“Bugti was a fervent commander of outlawed BRA and wanted in target killings of more than 50 people,” Commandant Sibi Scouts told the media. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The Caretaker Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab, along with their top officials, convened an important planning session at the CM House to finalise their strategy for a collaborative operation against bandits in the Riverine Areas of both the provinces.
During the meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, accompanied by his Information Minister Amir, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, IG Police Usman Anwar, and Minister Information, met the Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar.
They discussed the upcoming joint operation against dacoits, sharing information on the criminal gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom, their locations, and hiding spots in the dense forests along the River Indus.
The CMs explored ways to attack these criminal elements from both sides of the border to eradicate them and remove the stigma associated with their activities.
Sindh CM approved necessary procurement and coordination with Punjab police to initiate the operation.
Also read: Three suspected bandits killed in encounter
Punjab IG briefed the meeting on the significant kacha area, highlighting its location and the fertile lands along the River Indus. A total of 16 gangs were identified through information sharing between the two provinces.
Punjab CM said that these gangs had around 600 members and could not be allowed to challenge the government’s authority. Punjab police had already established multiple camps and pickets to support the operation.
IG Sindh Police, Riffat Mukhjar, provided information on their efforts, including establishing police posts along the protective bund in the kacha area. A control room was set up at Kashmore and Shikarpur.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2023.