KARACHI(National Times)- Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday ordered strict action against organised criminal gangs, drug traffickers and facilitators of terrorism, while emphasising the need for greater community engagement and public confidence in law-enforcement institutions.
Presiding over a high-level meeting at CM House to review the provincial security situation, he said that the protection of life and property of citizens remained the government’s top priority.
The meeting, attended by, among others, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan and other senior officials, reviewed crime trends, counter-terrorism operations, anti-narcotics drives, katcha area operations, and the performance of modern surveillance systems including the Safe City Project and Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4).
The chief minister also directed law-enforcement agencies to intensify intelligence-based operations and maintain vigilance at 139 inter-provincial border points.
He further directed officials to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals, foreign missions, sensitive installations and religious gatherings, adding that all agencies must continue working in close coordination to preserve peace and stability throughout Sindh.
CM Murad said that the overall law and order situation in the province had improved markedly during the first half of 2026, with major crimes and terrorism-related incidents recording a sharp decline due to intelligence-led policing and enhanced inter-agency coordination.
He was informed that murders declined by 17.3 per cent, murders during robberies by 19.4 per cent and motorcycle snatching by 31.1pc compared to the corresponding period last year. Terrorism-related incidents fell by 75pc during the same period.
A press statement issued by the CM House said that the meeting was informed that dacoity and robbery had dropped by 18.9pc, car snatching by 23.9pc, and motorcycle theft by 22.1pc between January and June 2026.
It was informed that overall street crime decreased by 11.77pc year-on-year. Fatalities during robbery incidents fell by 38.3pc and injuries by 39.1pc. Vehicle snatching was down 24.3pc while motorcycle snatching declined by 27.8pc.
However, the meeting was informed that mobile phone snatching had increased and required focused action.
The IGP told the meeting that the provincial police had conducted 2,184 encounters in the first six months of 2026 compared to 1,574 in the same period last year.
The CM was informed that police had busted 1,087 criminal gangs, killed 187 criminals and arrested “thousands of suspects.” There was also a substantial increase in the recovery of illegal weapons, he was told.
Home Minister Lanjar informed the meeting that close coordination was being maintained among Sindh Police, Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department, Special Branch and intelligence agencies.
The meeting was informed that the CTD conducted 777 intelligence-based operations and apprehended 355 terrorists and criminals linked to banned organisations including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch insurgent groups and sectarian outfits. Large quantities of explosives, IEDs and grenades were recovered.
On the narcotics front, the meeting was informed that 7,027 raids were conducted, leading to 7,468 cases and the arrest of 9,096 accused. Significant quantities of heroin, charas, ice and liquor were seized. Special operations were also carried out against online drug sellers and dealers operating near educational institutions.
The meeting was also briefed on progress against extortion rackets in Karachi, with an 81pc detection rate reported. Several gangs were dismantled and four red notices were issued against suspects operating from abroad.
The home minister said that Operation Nijat-i-Mehran in the riverine katcha areas had yielded significant results. “Since January, police conducted 141 encounters, killed 275 dacoits and secured the surrender of several outlaws. In total, 550 dacoits were either arrested or surrendered,” he added.
The meeting was informed that 1,325 surveillance cameras had been installed in Karachi under Phase-I of the Safe City Project, exceeding the original target. The system includes facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition cameras and has helped in arrests and vehicle recoveries.
It was told that the Rs1.4 billion Sindh Smart Surveillance System (S4) had installed 381 cameras at 40 toll plazas across the province, leading to the arrest of 496 criminals and seizure of 349 vehicles.
The meeting was informed that the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) had issued more than 1.24 million digital traffic tickets and contributed to a 44pc reduction in traffic accidents, a 19pc decline in fatalities and a 27pc reduction in injuries.
The meeting reviewed security arrangements at major inter-provincial and transitional border points, including Hub-Karachi, Jamshoro-Hub, Dadu-Khuzdar, Kashmore-Dera Bugti-Rajanpur, Ghotki-Rahim Yar Khan and coastal areas.
The home minister informed the chief minister that security coverage had been enhanced through police posts, snap checking, mobile patrols and motorcycle patrol units at 139 crossing points across the province.
