CM Murad, PPP MNA spar over Sindh security situation

Attacks on police in Sukkur, Larkana indicate law enforces combating dacoits, says CM

HYDERABAD:

Two senior figures from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) appear to be at odds over the law and order situation in the Sukkur and Larkana divisions of Sindh.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who visited the shrine of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Bhit Shah, Matiari district on Thursday, has disagreed with the critical assessment made by Matiari-based PPP MNA Makhdoom Jameel uz Zaman.

"I respect Zaman, but I differ with his opinion," Shah stated when asked to comment on the MNA's remarks during a media briefing. He claimed that law and order have improved in the two divisions compared to the deteriorating situation during the interim government.

"The situation has been much better since February," Shah added. He noted that the frequency of kidnappings has decreased, though bandits are now targeting poorer individuals. Shah maintained that the attacks on police in Sukkur and Larkana divisions indicate that law enforcement is actively combating dacoits.

He also asserted that the law and order situation is improving in Karachi, where street crimes had previously instilled fear among residents. Shah reiterated that the PPP's Sindh government is committed to eradicating dacoits in the katcha areas and is seeking assistance from the army and rangers.

In a swift rebuttal to the Chief Minister's statements, Zaman told the media in Matiari that he would advise Shah to visit some parts of the two divisions without security for a firsthand understanding of the situation. "He would then realize how safe the people of those areas feel," Zaman said.

He criticized the rampant robberies, snatching, and abductions in some districts of Larkana and Sukkur divisions, claiming that people are too fearful to travel at night. Zaman added that this was the reason he had appealed to Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir for intervention.

Zaman also remarked that the PPP has become increasingly confined to Sindh. "If the performance of our leaders continues to be such, the party will shrink further to just Larkana and Matiari."