CM Murad Ali Shah reiterates zero-tolerance against dacoits in Riverine areas, illegal hydrants in city

CM Murad Ali Shah reiterates zero-tolerance against dacoits in Riverine areas, illegal hydrants in city

KARACHI: 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.”