The meeting discussed efforts to combat drug trafficking and maintain law and order in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh.
Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meet in Islamabad. SCREENSHOT
KARACHI:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday agreed that effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and provinces is the best way to address national challenges and resolve public issues, according to an official statement.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Islamabad, during which the two leaders discussed a range of important issues, including law and order, inter-provincial cooperation, eradication of narcotics and improvement of public services.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on efforts to combat drug trafficking and maintain law and order in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh.
Speaking on the occasion, Memon said effective coordination and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was the most effective way to address national challenges. He added that all institutions and governments should work together on issues of national interest.
The state minister said the Sindh government would further intensify its efforts to eliminate crime, maintain law and order and ensure protection of citizens.
During the meeting, Naqvi congratulated the Sindh government for its successful operations against dacoits and criminal elements in riverine (katcha) areas.
The Interior Minister assured the Sindh government of the full support of the federal government in maintaining peace and combating drugs. He also commended the Sindh Police for displaying courage, professionalism and determination under difficult circumstances, and playing a commendable role in restoring law and order.
On May 12, Karachi police arrested Pinky, accused of running one of the city’s most organized narcotics supply networks. The suspect was arrested during a joint operation carried out by the municipal police and a civilian agency in an apartment in the Garden district.
Investigators say she ran a sophisticated cocaine processing and delivery operation with ties extending beyond Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad and other cities. According to police, Pinky not only supplied narcotics to affluent neighborhoods including DHA and Clifton, but also personally prepared high-quality cocaine and managed deliveries through clients and online platforms.
Read: Sharjeel calls for joint action against drug menace
His arrest highlighted the extent of drug trafficking in Sindh, where substances such as crystal meth (ice), hashish, opium, cannabis, gutka, mawa and mainpuri are allegedly sold openly in several areas. Authorities said several arrests followed, while the provincial government vowed to step up its crackdown on drug networks.
Along with the narcotics problem, Sindh is also facing a long-standing security problem in its ‘Katcha’ river belt. Stretching along the Indus River, the region’s dense forests, shifting riverbanks and limited access have always provided safe havens for heavily armed dacoit gangs. These groups were involved in kidnappings, extortion, and violent crimes, undermining state authority and hindering local development.
In response, Sindh police have intensified operations against these gangs since late last year. Inspector General Javed Alam Odho announced in February that a dedicated katcha force would be reestablished to police the roughly 400-kilometer stretch, supported by aerial surveillance and better interprovincial coordination.
Several coordinated operations were carried out with Punjab police and military units, involving ground raids, drone surveillance and strategic negotiations with armed groups.
In October last year, the Sindh cabinet also approved a policy allowing dacoit gangs in riverine areas to surrender their weapons in return for guarantees of protection for their families, rehabilitation support and livelihood assistance. Since the policy was introduced, dozens of activists have laid down their arms.
