Dismantling ‘katcha’

Holding perpetrators accountable and dismantling criminal infrastructure can restore public trust in justice system

For years, Pakistan has been locked in a cat-and-mouse game with criminal dens, particularly in the notorious katcha regions in Sindh. Over the years, these areas have become breeding grounds for criminal activity due to neglect from authorities, lack of economic opportunities and exploitation by criminal elements. Despite numerous crackdowns, these dens have remained stubbornly resilient. Previous efforts have yielded limited results, failing to effectively dismantle entrenched criminal networks.

Sindh and Punjab police will launch yet another joint operation against the notorious dacoits of the katcha areas in Sindh. This decision was reached at a meeting of the National Action Plan Implementation Review Committee held at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) headquarters in Islamabad on Friday. The continued existence of criminal dens undermines public confidence in the authorities’ ability to maintain law and order. Many people feel disillusioned and powerless in the face of rampant criminality and impunity. They demand action and tangible results to restore safety to their neighborhoods. It is high time for a unified approach that leverages the collective strength of provincial law enforcement agencies to knock these criminal elements off their perch for good. Moreover, a coordinated operation demonstrates a commitment to accountability and transparency in addressing security challenges. Holding perpetrators accountable and dismantling criminal infrastructure can restore public trust in the justice system.

But before launching the operation, authorities should focus on intensifying intelligence gathering efforts. This involves gathering detailed information about the individuals, groups and networks involved to better understand the tactics and locations. Such information is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness. The government cannot afford to allocate additional resources to this issue. Therefore, this operation should signify the conclusion of this ongoing struggle once and for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2024.

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