Honey trapping by Kacha dacoits remains a police concern

The Sindh police chief has claimed a visible drop in kidnapping incidents involving the Kacha areas but noted with concern a steady rise in the number of "honey trap" incidents in which criminal gangs use women to lure unsuspecting people to their dens to take them hostage for ransom.

"This year alone, the Sindh police rescued more than 900 people from such traps through a targeted strategy," IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon said while addressing a delegation of 27 officers-in-training from the Second Senior Management Course of the Provincial Civil Services at the Central Police Office in Karachi.

The Sindh Police DIG Headquarters welcomed the delegation and provided a detailed briefing on the law and order situation, including the actions taken by various units of the force to combat crime.

IG Memon said that the Sindh government had increased the police budget by 19%, providing significant support for law enforcement. He added that the government had allocated a dedicated budget for police stations this year, marking a commendable step towards the autonomy of police stations.

The provincial police chief further stated that the government had increased the quota for women in the police force from 5% to 15%. This inclusion is expected to enhance policing efforts and improve the overall public perception of the force. He acknowledged challenges in recruiting women from upper Sindh but stressed the importance of this initiative.

Regarding the Kacha areas, IG Memon confirmed that the situation had improved, with kidnappings largely halted. However, criminals still use honey traps to abduct people and demand ransom. In response, the police have established base camps in Kacha areas, and their efforts have led to the death and injury of several bandits in the past two months.