Sindh blazes a trail in fight against drugs
The Sindh government has launched an aggressive campaign against drug dealers, aiming to secure the province's future and protect its citizens from the scourge of narcotics. This monumental effort aligns with the commitments of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) leadership, particularly its chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari. Under the directive of Sindh’s Senior Minister for Excise, Taxation, Narcotics Control, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, the provincial narcotics department is operating tirelessly to dismantle drug supply lines and apprehend those involved in this illegal trade for years.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah personally instructed him to start the campaign against narcotics. After taking the portfolio of Narcotics Control, when he went to call on PPP Leader Faryal Talpur, she emphasized that they want to eradicate narcotics from society, and whatever they are doing against narcotics is with the blessing of the leadership.
Bilawal and President Zardari have emphasised the urgency of addressing drug use, especially in educational institutions. Responding to these concerns, officials have been instructed to demonstrate their effectiveness through practical measures. He has been quick to acknowledge and reward teams that perform exceptionally, often responding immediately to successful raids by awarding cash rewards and certificates of appreciation.
Drug abuse is not a new phenomenon in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, the province's capital and major port city. Public spaces such as footpaths, pedestrian bridges, abandoned government buildings, and vacant plots are often occupied by drug users, who are frequently seen stealing from public places to support their habits. The presence of drug dealers is a formidable challenge, as they not only endanger the lives of users but also pose a threat to the wider community. Muhammad Salman, a resident of Korangi, lamented that drug dealers are destroying the futures of those who use their products and contributing to a surge in crime.
“They snatch and steal anything and anywhere,” he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for the government to expedite its crackdowns.
Salman, an avid newspaper reader, has recently noticed a positive change. He observed an increase in reports of drug peddlers being arrested and raids targeting users. “The minister knows how to effectively utilise the department's employees,” Salman noted. His sentiment is echoed by many who have lost loved ones to drugs and are hopeful that the intensified crackdown will yield results.
One such victim was a teenage boy from Lyari who succumbed to drug use. According to his relative Muhammad Yousuf, the boy, Akbar, was in the ninth grade and the oldest child in his family. One day [in May], Akbar’s father received a call informing him that his son was lying on a railway track near Machhar Colony. Rushing to the scene, he found Akbar in a critical condition and took him to a private hospital. Despite being placed on a ventilator, Akbar’s condition deteriorated, and he passed away after being transferred to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center.
Yousuf recounted that Akbar was given drugs by a user living in their street, a common occurrence that has devastated many families. “The availability of drugs is widespread, and young boys are easily trapped by dealers,” Yousuf explained. He expressed optimism about the Sindh government’s hard stance against drug dealers. “I pray for his success and salute his bold steps,” Yousuf added, hopeful that the crackdown will eventually eradicate drug-related problems in the province.
The crackdown, described as a "war against drugs," has seen over 1,600 suspects, including wanted drug dealers, arrested in the past two months. Authorities have seized more than 230 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ice) and other narcotics in operations across Sindh, including Karachi.
On June 10, during a routine check in district Matiari, a notorious drug dealer named Anwar Sipyo was apprehended after an exchange of gunfire. Sipyo, who had been evading capture for 15 years, was injured and taken to the hospital. His arrest was widely praised, and the swift action of the teams involved was lauded by senior figures.
The provincial government is particularly concerned about the prevalence of drugs in educational institutions.
In May, successful raids in Karachi led to the arrest of Qurban Ali Shah and his aide. During interrogation, the criminals disclosed information about 150 drug suppliers operating in different areas of the city. They revealed that these dealers were supplying drugs not only in educational institutions but also in the city’s upscale neighborhoods.
The minister, known for his transformative initiatives in Sindh's transport department, is now spearheading unprecedented measures to combat drug dealers. His insistence on a "zero tolerance policy" towards drug trafficking underscores his firm stance on the issue.
In meetings with department officials, he articulated the government's vision of a drug-free Sindh, stressing the essential role of public support in this battle. He acknowledged that drug abuse is a global challenge and emphasized the need to protect young generations, particularly students, from the harmful effects of narcotics. To this end, the Sindh government plans to conduct random drug tests on students, handling any positive cases with complete confidentiality.
Additionally, new rehabilitation centers are being established to provide support for those struggling with addiction. Methamphetamine (ice) was identified as a particularly dangerous substance affecting young minds. He appeals to parents to closely monitor their children and urged the media to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, especially ice.
To enhance the efficiency of the crackdown, a Rapid Response Unit has been established to operate around the clock. A complete ban on transfers and postings within the department has also been imposed to ensure smooth operations. The general public is hopeful that these efforts will lead to a significant reduction in drug-related problems. “We would have had a drug-free Sindh if he had been given this task 10 years ago,” Yousuf concluded.
The ongoing campaign against drug dealers is not just a fight against crime but a fight for the future of Sindh. With unwavering determination and the support of the public, the Sindh government is committed to eradicating the menace of drugs from the province, safeguarding the lives and futures of its citizens. The hope remains that through persistent efforts and community involvement, Sindh will emerge victorious in this critical battle.
The Sindh government’s proactive measures have received widespread acclaim. The Provincial Narcotics Control Wing operates with a network of checkpoints and police stations spread throughout Sindh, particularly in bordering areas and along highways. Department’s teams gather intelligence, conduct raids, and promptly lodge cases against offenders. The transparency of these operations is notable, with information about arrests and seizures regularly shared with the media, reinforcing the message that no one, not even the influential, is above the law.
The arrest of prominent drug dealers has had a palpable impact on the morale of the enforcement teams and the general public alike. The case of Anwar Sipyo, for instance, stands out as a testament to the determination and resolve of the narcotics control teams. Sipyo’s capture, after 15 years of eluding the authorities, marked a significant victory in the war against drugs. The operation not only disrupted a major supply chain but also served as a warning to other criminals about the government's commitment to eradicating drug trafficking.
Public sentiment is increasingly positive, with many citizens expressing hope and relief. The crackdown is seen as a long-overdue measure that addresses a critical issue affecting the entire province. Parents, educators, and community leaders are particularly supportive of the random drug testing initiative in schools, viewing it as a necessary step to protect the youth from falling prey to drug abuse. The establishment of new rehabilitation centers is also seen as a compassionate approach, providing a lifeline to those seeking to break free from addiction.
Media campaigns have played a crucial role in this effort. By raising awareness about the dangers of drugs, particularly methamphetamine, and highlighting the government's actions, the media has helped to foster a sense of collective responsibility and vigilance among the public.
Parents have been urged to be more attentive to their children’s activities and social circles, while community members are encouraged to report suspicious behavior to the authorities.
The call for public involvement underscores a fundamental truth: the fight against drugs cannot be won by the government alone. It requires the active participation of the entire community. This collaborative approach is beginning to yield results, with more citizens coming forward to support the crackdown and share information about drug-related activities in their neighborhoods.
The success of this campaign could serve as a model for other provinces grappling with similar issues. The combination of strict enforcement, public awareness, and community involvement creates a comprehensive strategy that addresses the problem from multiple angles. By focusing not only on punitive measures but also on rehabilitation and prevention, the Sindh government is adopting a holistic approach that promises long-term benefits.
Sindh government’s intensified crackdown on drug dealers is a critical and commendable effort to safeguard the future of the province. Under the current leadership, the provincial narcotics department is making significant strides in dismantling drug networks and reducing the availability of narcotics. The campaign’s success hinges on continued public support and community involvement, with the ultimate goal of creating a drug-free Sindh. As the government remains steadfast in its commitment, there is renewed hope that the province will overcome this challenge and secure a brighter, healthier future for its citizens.