The meeting discussed the efforts to curb drug trade, maintain law and order in Karachi, other major cities of Sindh
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meet in Islamabad. SCREEN GRAB
KARACHI:
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday agreed that effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and the provinces is the best way to tackle national challenges and solve public problems, according to an official statement.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad where the two leaders discussed a number of important issues including law and order, inter-provincial cooperation, eradication of narcotics and improvements in public services.
The meeting also included detailed discussions on efforts to curb drug trafficking and maintain law and order in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh.
Memon said on the occasion that effective coordination and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was the most effective means of dealing with national challenges. He added that all institutions and governments should work together on issues of national interest.
The senior minister said that the Sindh government would further intensify its efforts to eliminate crime, maintain law and order and ensure the protection of citizens.
During the meeting, Naqvi congratulated the Sindh government for its successful operations against dacoits and criminal elements in the riverine (katcha) areas.
The interior minister assured the Sindh government of the federal government’s full support in maintaining peace and fighting narcotics. He also praised the Sindh Police for displaying bravery, professionalism and determination under challenging circumstances and for playing a commendable role in restoring law and order.
On May 12, Karachi police arrested Pinky, who was accused of running one of the city’s most organized drug supply networks. The suspect was arrested during a joint operation by the city police and a civilian agency at an apartment in the Garden area.
Investigators allege she ran a sophisticated cocaine processing and delivery operation with connections stretching beyond Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad and other cities. According to police, Pinky not only supplied drugs to affluent neighborhoods including DHA and Clifton, but also personally prepared high-grade cocaine and managed deliveries through female riders and online platforms.
Read: Sharjeel calls for joint action against drug menace
Her arrest highlighted the scale of the drug trade in Sindh, where drugs such as crystal meth (ice), hashish, opium, cannabis, gutka, mawa and mainpuri were allegedly sold openly in several areas. Authorities said more arrests followed as the provincial government vowed to step up its crackdown on drug networks.
Alongside the narcotics problem, Sindh also faced a long-standing security challenge in its riverine “katcha” belt. The region’s dense forests, shifting riverbanks and limited access that stretch along the Indus River had historically provided a safe haven for heavily armed dacoit gangs. These groups were involved in kidnappings, extortion and violent crime, undermining the authority of the state and hindering local development.
In response, Sindh police have intensified operations against these gangs since late last year. Inspector General Javed Alam Odho announced in February that a dedicated katcha force would be revived to police the roughly 400 kilometer stretch, supported by aerial surveillance and improved inter-provincial coordination.
Several coordinated operations were conducted with Punjab police and military units involving ground strikes, drone surveillance and strategic negotiations with armed groups.
Last October, the Sindh Cabinet also approved a policy allowing dacoit gangs in riverine areas to surrender their weapons in return for guarantees of protection for their families, rehabilitation support and livelihood assistance. Since the introduction of the policy, dozens of militants have laid down their arms.
