KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed provincial Inspector General Riffat Mukhtar to fill 25,000 vacant positions in police department. He issued directives in meeting related to law and order which was attended by Director General Rangers Sindh Major General Azhar Waqas, IG Mukhtar, commissioner and others.

Directing IG to fill vacant positions, he said that recruitment in police departments will only be merit-based.  Approving Rs 2 billion for construction of 708 police stations, CM Shah ordered similar construction of stations, saying that these funds should be properly spent.

On law and order situation in province, he said that first responsibility is to protect people and their property. He added that situation was bad in riverine (kutcha) areas for some time.

Expressing disappointment over situation of street crime, CM Shah said he wants improvement by paying special attention to law and order. “Dacoits should be eliminated in kutcha areas of Sukkur and Larkana at all cost,” said Shah, adding that he will take action against dacoits in collaboration with Punjab and Balochistan governments.

Highlighting issue of drugs, he said that police, Rangers and other organisations should work together to rid Sindh of drugs. CM directed increasing number of police stations from 12,000 to 24,000 in Karachi in bid to control crime.

IG briefed Chief Minister on action taken by police against street crimes in Karachi. CM Shah said that number of pickets and police personnel should be increased in kutcha areas after he was told about number of people being kidnapped.  Rangers DG briefed CM regarding operations being conducted by Rangers and police against terrorists and drug peddlers.

CM Shah directed police and Rangers to eliminate street crimes and dacoits from kutcha areas together, adding that he will soon call meeting over matter.

He directed improving traffic situation in Karachi while banning flashlights in vehicles except for police patrol cars and authorised vehicles.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 29 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.