Karachi, April 10, 2025: In a significant move to curb the growing menace of cross-border crime, the apex committee meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in Karachi has decided to launch a joint operation targeting dacoits in the Katcha region. The operation will be conducted with the coordinated efforts of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan police.
The committee was briefed that the same criminal gangs operate across the provincial borders of Sindh and Punjab, frequently crossing over to commit robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. To effectively counter these elements, the provincial police forces are working in close coordination to design and execute a synchronized, intelligence-driven operation across the Katcha belt.
The meeting also addressed security concerns surrounding Chinese nationals working on CPEC and other strategic development projects. It was revealed that Sindh Police has established a dedicated unit to ensure their safety, reflecting Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding international partnerships and investments.
During the session, detailed statistics on counter-terrorism efforts in 2025 were shared. In the current year alone, 23 cases have been registered under anti-terrorism laws. Of these, 7 have been submitted for trial (challaned), 4 have resulted in convictions, and the rest are ongoing.
In comparison, 2024 saw 231 operations under anti-terrorism laws with two convictions, while the majority of cases remain under investigation or pending trial.
The year 2025 has also seen an uptick in intelligence-based operations. A total of 318 such operations have been conducted, leading to 153 FIRs, the arrest of 84 suspected criminals, and the elimination of 12 terrorists.
CM Murad Ali Shah announced that Rs214 million have been allocated to establish a joint checkpost in Hub, aimed at monitoring smuggling routes and other illicit cross-border activities between Sindh and Balochistan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to modernising law enforcement capabilities.
To bolster the province’s counter-terrorism response, the Sindh government has allocated Rs3.6 billion to strengthen the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). The funding will support the purchase of advanced equipment, forensic technology, and specialised software.
The chief minister also announced the establishment of Fusion Centres at the DG Narcotics Office. These centres are designed to improve coordination among law enforcement and intelligence agencies, particularly in the battle against narcotics trafficking and organised crime.
