KARACHI: (Staff Reporter) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered strict enforcement of the government’s zero-tolerance policy against dacoits in the Riverine area and illegal hydrants, stating, “We will not allow mafias to exploit the people.”
“Water is a public right, and it must be protected at all costs,” he added.
He made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting on security operations in the Katcha areas and Karachi’s water supply challenges at CM House on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by senior provincial ministers, the Karachi Corps Commander, the chief secretary, and other senior civil and military officials.
The CM reviewed the security situation in the Katcha region, with decisions taken to further accelerate both law enforcement and intelligence-based operations against dacoits. He emphasised that all possible measures would be employed to restore peace, including taking strict action against criminal elements, while those who surrender would be offered a legal path. “We are determined to make the Katcha region peaceful through tough action when necessary, but those willing to surrender will be allowed to reform,” Shah said.
The forum was informed that since October 2024, technology-driven operations in Katcha have intensified, resulting in 760 targeted operations and 352 search operations. Since January 2024, about 159 dacoits have been killed, 823 arrested, and eight most-wanted criminals eliminated.
During these operations, 962 weapons of various types were recovered. The meeting also discussed long-term development plans for Katcha, including roads, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, transport facilities, and the proposed Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge, to commence after the recent floods.
In Karachi, the forum reviewed measures to curb illegal hydrant and tanker operations. It was reported that 243 illegal hydrants have been demolished, 212 FIRs registered, and 103 individuals arrested. Tankers have been registered with QR codes to ensure transparency.
These measures have resulted in an additional Rs60 million in revenue for the Water Board. The CM reiterated a strict zero-tolerance policy against illegal hydrants, stating, “We will not allow mafias to exploit the people of Karachi. Water is a public right, and it must be protected at all costs.”
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to further strengthening ties with GCC countries
NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday met the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session.
During the meeting, the DPM underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the GCC and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the Member States of the Council.
The two sides exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in various sectors, as well as expanding institutional linkages between Pakistan and the GCC.
Earlier, Dar eaffirmed it’s historic solidarity with the Palestinian people and reiterated support for the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN and OIC resolutions.
He stated this while representing Pakistan at the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
