CM orders tap turned off on 'tanker mafia'

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday chaired a meeting to review progress in the ongoing crackdown against illegal hydrants and unauthorised water tankers in the metropolitan city.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab informed the session that 243 illegal hydrants had been demolished so far, with 212 FIRs registered and 103 persons arrested. He added that around 3,200 water tankers had been registered through QR codes, which had not only improved water distribution but also increased the revenue of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation by Rs60 million.

The chief minister directed that the campaign against the illegal tanker mafia must continue relentlessly until the menace is completely eradicated.

Separately, CM Shah announced that Sindh has sufficient wheat reserves — 1.3 million tons — to meet demand until Feb 2026, with the new crop expected in March. Chairing a meeting at his office to review the wheat stock and supply situation, he was informed that the monthly wheat requirement for Sindh and Balochistan is 400,000 tons, while an additional 600,000 tons are available in the open market.

The chief minister stressed the need to maintain strategic reserves and instructed the Food Department to draft a wheat release policy for approval. He also directed strict monitoring of wheat flour prices to prevent unnecessary hikes and ensure affordability for the public. CM Shah reaffirmed his government's commitment to ensuring food security and price stability across Sindh.

Meanwhile, the chief minister declared that the elimination of dacoits from the Katcha areas is non-negotiable and must be ensured at all costs. He said this while chairing a high-level meeting at his office which was convened to review the ongoing operation against bandits.

CM Shah directed police to intensify intelligence-based operations (IBOs), especially in flood-affected riverine areas. "With parts of the Katcha belt inundated due to recent floods, criminal elements are likely displaced. This presents an opportunity to eradicate them. The operation must be expedited," he added.

CM Shah instructed Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah to devise a comprehensive infrastructure development plan for the riverine belt. The plan would include the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, and the provision of transport facilities. He assured that rehabilitation and development work would commence as soon as floodwaters recede.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Principal Secretary Agha Wasay, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, and other senior officials.

Briefing the meeting, IGP Memon and the home minister said that since October 2024, technology-driven operations had been launched in the Katcha region. Between Jan 2024 and Sept 2025, a total of 760 targeted operations and 352 search operations were carried out.

During this period, 159 dacoits were killed, including 10 in Sukkur, 14 in Ghotki, 46 in Kashmore, and 89 in Shikarpur, while 823 suspects were arrested. Eight most-wanted criminals were also neutralised. Law enforcement agencies recovered 962 weapons of various calibres during the operations.

Highlighting the strategic importance of infrastructure, the chief minister said the construction of the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge would improve regional connectivity and contribute to restoring law and order. "The Sindh government's top priority is the maintenance of peace and security across the province," he added.