Rangers arrested 5,057 suspects across Sindh

Three paramilitary personnel were martyred and 11 injured in line of duty last year

KARACHI:

Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted a total of 1,742 operations across the province in the year 2023 in which 5,057 suspects were involved in various criminal activities, including terrorism, targeted killing, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, robberies, and drug dealing, were apprehended.

A substantial quantity of different types of weapons and ammunition were also recovered in these operations, according to a spokesperson for the para-military force.

The spokesperson further stated that in collaboration with police, the Rangers jointly apprehended 197 high-profile suspects in 163 operations. The arrested suspects included members of banned groups, including TTP, BLA, BSN, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Da’ish, MQM- London, and Lyari gangs.

Specifically, 109 operations were conducted against terrorism, resulting in the arrest of 151 suspected terrorists. In the fight against targeted killings, 19 operations led to the apprehension of 11 suspects. Moreover, 32 operations targeting extortion resulted in the arrest of 30 suspects associated with various banned outfits.

Read SHC seeks progress report in Rangers officer’s killing case

The Rangers also conducted operations against hoarders and smugglers, resulting in the arrest of 270 suspects in Karachi and interior Sindh. The operations led to the recovery of drugs, stored goods, and illegal Iranian oil.

In the crack-down against hoarders, a total of Rs3.33 billion worth of items, including sugar, cigarettes, cloth, fictional items, Iranian blankets, and various food items, were seized in 27 operations.

Similarly, during 160 anti-trafficking operations, the paramilitary force recovered around 373,211 litres of illegal Iranian oil, valued at about Rs120 million. The operation against drug trafficking in Karachi and interior Sindh led to the recovery of a total of 168,552.696 kg of drugs.