SINDH HOME MINISTER ZIA-UL-HASAN LANJAR CHAIRS A MEETING ON THE CHALLENGES OF CRIME AND TERRORISM IN THE PROVINCE.
Karachi July 10: A high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar was held today, which included all members of the Provincial Steering Committees. The meeting aimed to set objectives and targets to confront the challenges posed by terrorism and crime, along with issuing further necessary directives. Participants included members from various steering committees such as the Secretary Finance, IG Sindh, DG Rangers Sindh, Additional IGs, CTD, Special Branch, Sector Commanders of ISI Karachi Wing, Counter Terrorism Karachi, MI Karachi, Additional Director FIA South, DIG SSU/CPEC, as well as representatives from Customs and the 5 Corps. These representatives gave a detailed overview of the steps and actions taken by their respective departments in line with the meeting’s objectives.
The meeting emphasized that joint operations against terrorism are the need of the hour, and the elimination of elements, groups, and facilitators involved in such heinous crimes must be ensured. Discussions were held on making highways and motorways peaceful and secure, protecting Chinese nationals, expanding the Safe City Project to other cities, strengthening anti-encroachment operations, and addressing organized crime, drug mafias, and illegal petrol pumps. The committee also reviewed the targets/tasks assigned by the Apex Committee to the Sindh Home Department. It was also stated during the meeting that joint check posts comprising police and other law enforcement personnel will be established across all provincial border areas to counter drug smuggling and the movement of illegal goods.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul-Hasan Lanjar said that in order to ensure definite success in the ongoing war against terrorism, effective and concrete measures must be taken jointly so that the roots of terrorism can be eradicated. He added that while patrolling continues on Sindh’s highways and motorways, further steps will be taken soon to increase manpower, aiming to make travel safer and protect the lives and property of citizens. He acknowledged that although combating crime and terrorism is a challenging task, collaborative efforts among police and law enforcement agencies will lead to success.
He also instructed that the licenses of all private security companies be re-evaluated and that a strict crackdown on potentially illegal security companies be ensured. Regarding anti-encroachment efforts, he directed that official letters be sent to all commissioners, and performance reports covering a 15-day period be submitted for review. Furthermore, Home Minister instructed the Customs Department to present a report detailing all measures taken against the movement and transportation of illegal goods. Police, ANF, and Excise departments are also required to submit comprehensive reports on their actions against drug mafias. Additionally, a practical document outlining the mechanism for joint check post establishment and a performance report on the crackdown against illegal petrol pumps must also be submitted for review and further necessary action.
The IGP Sindh informed the meeting that 23 districts adjacent to highways and motorways are of critical importance, where additional manpower is needed, and recruitment is being sought. Furthermore, in order to enhance the CTD mechanism, it is necessary to provide additional incentives for the officers and personnel deployed in these units.
