Joint mapping of illegal immigrants ordered in Sindh

Sindh apex committee on Thursday ordered the joint mapping of illegal immigrants after an investigation revealed details regarding the involvement of a madrassa teacher in the terrorist attack on the Karachi Police Office (KPO) last year.

Five people were martyred and at least 17 others were injured during the brazen hours-long terrorist attack at the Karachi Police Office on February 17, 2023.

The police office building also suffered significant damage during the attack. The suicide bomber had detonated himself on the stairs adjacent to the elevator in front of the Karachi police chief's office.

The 31st apex committee meeting convened under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at CM House. The meeting saw the attendance of key officials including Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar.

Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) presented an investigation report detailing the participation of a madrassa teacher in the KPO attack. The teacher, identified as a terrorist, was among those killed during the clearance operation. Subsequent investigations, including fingerprint analysis, confirmed his association with a madrassa.

Read more: ‘Masterminds’ of KPO attack killed: Sharjeel

Highlighting concerns over illegal immigrants infiltrating educational institutions, CM Shah announced plans for a joint mapping exercise to ascertain the accurate number of illegal immigrants in the province, particularly in Karachi.

Home Minister Zia Lanjar disclosed that 43,762 illegal immigrants had been repatriated, with 1,653 deported, and 42,109 returning voluntarily. Additionally, 81,106 held Proof of Residence (PoR) cards, while 65,936 possessed other documentation.

Shah emphasised the importance of Sindh police (Special Branch) and federal agencies collaborating in the joint mapping initiative. The decision stemmed from directives issued by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari during a recent special meeting on law and order, urging rigorous operations against criminal elements including dacoits, street criminals, land grabbers, and drug traffickers.

Also read: Five-member committee formed to probe Karachi terror attack

During the meeting, Memon outlined an intelligence-driven crackdown on drug trafficking, resulting in 166 arrests across 164 cases. Awareness campaigns were launched in educational institutions to combat drug abuse, complemented by a dedicated helpline for reporting narcotics-related activities.

Moreover, the meeting proposed the establishment of a “fusion centre” to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies in combating narcotics. CM Shah directed the Excise and Home departments to submit proposals for its establishment.

Addressing concerns over the display of arms by guards in civilian attire, Shah instructed police, Rangers, and relevant agencies to take strict action against such practices, deeming them illegal.

In response, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon affirmed his commitment to issue directives to all police stations in the province to enforce the chief minister's directives.