KARACHI: Caretaker chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab have decided to launch a joint operation against bandits in katcha areas, News reported on Thursday.
In a meeting of the chief ministers, a strategy was discussed regarding the operation. ‘Tagging of Sindh and Punjab’s katcha area was made in the session,’ a spokesperson said.
IG Punjab Usman Anwar briefed the session about police strategy in the katcha area.
The meeting was informed that the focus areas in Sindh are Ghotki and Kashmore districts, while in Punjab, Ranipur and Rahim Yar Khan areas will be targeted.
‘Sindh’s katcha area is 176 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide,’ said the Punjab police chief. ‘There are seven riverine islands in Ranipur area,’ mentioned IG Punjab.
Caretaker CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi stated that 56,000 acres of land encroached by bandits were freed in an operation from the total 66,500 acres in the province’s katcha area.
‘There are 11 gangs of bandits in Punjab with a strength of 600,’ Naqvi said. ‘Punjab has established nine police camps and 53 posts in preparation for the operation,’ briefed the session.
IG Sindh Police Rifaat Mukhtar, during the briefing, revealed that Sindh has set up 210 police check posts in the Katcha area. ‘Sindh Rangers is also prepared for the operation,’ added the police chief.
Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Maqbool Baqar approved the police operation in Ghotki district.
The session also decided to weaken mobile phone facilities in the Katcha area.
The meeting was informed that the bandits’ arms supply network has been completely neutralized. ‘The weapons to be used in the operation are also prepared,’ mentioned the Sindh CM.
The sides also agreed on mutual consultation and information sharing between the two provinces.
It was also decided that another session will be called to finalize the operation strategy.
The session also discussed the rehearsal of the joint operation, as mentioned by the Chief Minister of Sindh’s spokesperson.
The meeting was attended by the chief secretaries of Sindh and Punjab, Sindh’s home minister, and the information minister of Punjab.
The caretaker chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab have agreed to launch a joint operation against bandits in katcha areas. The strategy for the operation was discussed, and specific districts in each province were identified. The meeting also discussed the preparation and resources for the operation, as well as plans for mutual consultation and information sharing between the provinces. A follow-up session will be held to finalize the operation strategy.
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