CM Sindh directs crackdown on crime, drugs

KARACHI: The Chief Minister (CM) of Sindh instructed law enforcement agencies to intensify operations against street crime and drug dealing in Karachi on Thursday.

In a meeting addressing the province’s law and order situation, the CM Syed Murad Ali Shah instructed installing trackers in police vehicles. He also greenlit initiating “Safe City project” that involves installing 1300 cameras and will cost Rs5.6 billion.

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During the meeting, officials reported identifying 574 drug dealers, with 299 arrested and 270 still at large. A police encounter resulted in the deaths of five drug dealers. The CM said that controlling the entry and exit routes of drugs was only way to effectively combat drug trafficking..

Regarding the situation in Kutch, officials mentioned procuring drones for operational purposes. The CM directed officers to train in drone usage and upgrade the Sukkur Police Commando School in Kutch.

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The CM Sindh directed law enforcers to increase police patrolling in the city and ensuring the presence of senior officers during patrols.

Several provincial ministers, government officials, and relevant officers attended the meeting.

The country’s largest city houses more than 17 million residents. As such, crime rate is extremely high in Karachi, including robberies, muggings, and theft. Despite efforts by law enforcement, complex factors like socio-economic disparities and organised crime networks contribute to the city’s security concerns.

Certain areas within Karachi have a higher susceptibility to criminal activities, influenced by factors such as socio-economic disparities and the proliferation of illegal weapons. The presence of drug mafias further compounds security challenges.

However, crime rate in the City of Lights has decreased in 2024. As per reports by the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC). Karachi experienced a decrease in crime rates in April.

Incidents dropped from 7,539 in March to 5,789 in April, including 162 robberies and 4,184 motorbike thefts. Similarly, 1,368 mobile phones were snatched at gunpoint, while 15 cases of extortion and one kidnapping for ransom were reported, with 59 fatalities in various incidents.