Pakistan President Zardari Orders Large-Scale Operation Against Criminals in Karachi

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to launch an extensive operation against street criminals, dacoits in the Katcha area, and drug traffickers across the province. During a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister's House in Karachi on Monday, Zardari reviewed the law and order situation in Sindh and expressed zero tolerance for illegal land occupation.

The president instructed the chief minister to ensure foolproof security for foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens involved in CPEC-related projects. He also urged for the implementation of posting tenures for police officers with strict performance monitoring and removal protocols. The meeting discussed efforts to address the rising property crimes, including strategies to reduce crime rates across various categories.

Chief Minister Shah briefed the president about the overall situation, noting a significant improvement in crime control after security agencies took strict actions against street criminals in Karachi and dacoit gangs in the Kacha area. However, street crime statistics revealed a concerning number of fatalities, with 49 deaths occurring in 48 cases. President Zardari questioned the underlying causes of street crime in Karachi and urged the police to investigate the destination of stolen vehicles and mobile phones and take decisive action against individuals involved in handling stolen goods.

Why this matters: The large-scale operation against criminals in Sindh reflects the government's commitment to improving law and order and ensuring the safety of citizens and foreign nationals. The success of this operation will have significant implications for the overall security situation in the province and the country's economic development, particularly in relation to CPEC projects.

President Zardari directed the completion of the Karachi Safe City project, fencing, and dualization of the Northern bypass, and development along the River Indus. He also instructed measures to prevent drug infiltration into educational institutions and launch awareness campaigns for parents and teachers. The president ordered the establishment of police check posts on the right bank of the Indus River, the completion of the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge, and the adoption of special security measures for Chinese citizens. "The Sindh government should approach the Center for the acquisition of facilities such as ammunition required to maintain law and order," Zardari said during the meeting.

Key Takeaways

• Zardari orders Sindh CM to launch operation against street crime, dacoits, drug traffickers.
• Zardari demands foolproof security for foreign nationals, especially Chinese, in CPEC projects.
• Zardari questions rising street crime in Karachi, calls for investigation into stolen goods trade.
• Zardari directs completion of Karachi Safe City project, fencing of Northern bypass, Indus development.
• Zardari orders establishment of police checkposts on Indus River, completion of Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge.