KARACHI: Political parties on Sunday condemned the killing of DSP, two SHOs and three police personnel by outlaws in an attack on their camp in the riverine area of Ghotki district on Saturday night.

PPP chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly condemned the attack on the police camp near Raunti area.

In his message, he expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of five police officials. “I salute Shaheed DSP Abdul Malik Bhutto, Shaheed SHOs Deen Muhammad Laghari and Abdul Malik Kamangar and two policemen Shaheed Salim Chachar and Shaheed Jatoi for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty and my heart goes out to the families of martyrs,” he added.

He also prayed for the speedy recovery of SHO Ghulam Ali Brohi and other officials who were injured in the attack.

The PPP chairman said that the sacrifices of the Sindh police to protect the lives and property of the people and maintain law and order were unparalleled. “I am sure that the criminals involved in this heinous crime will meet their logical fate,” he said.

Opposition leaders demand army-Rangers operation in riverine areas, end to govt’s interference in police affairs

PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, in his message also condemned the attack on the police camp.

He expressed regret over the martyrdom of police officials. The criminal elements who attacked the police camp cannot be forgiven. Mr Zardari said that the attackers deserved severe punishment. The sacrifices of the Sindh police officers are unforgettable.

He prayed for the departed souls as well as for the speedy recovery of the injured policemen, including SHO Ghulam Ali.

Opposition parties demand military operation

Opposition parties have also condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the deaths. They, however, criticised the PPP-led provincial government for having “politicised’ the police force and called for an operation by the army and Rangers not only against outlaws but also their abettors.

Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly and Haleem Adil Shaikh of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf expressed his sorrow over martyrdom of the police officers and personnel, and said outlaws were challenging writ of state and police could not fight against them. He demanded that with the help of army and Rangers, an operation should be launched in the katcha areas to clear them of outlaws. “After every two months, an operation without planning is launched which results in killing of policemen,” he noted.

Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Sindh general secretary and GDA information secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim expressing his regrets over the incident, also called for an operation by the army and Rangers against outlaws and their patrons.

Sindh United Party president Syed Zain Shah in a statement and through social media comment said five police officials trying to recover some kidnap victims were martyred which was regrettable. He held Sindh government responsible for the tragedy because, according to him, it was using police for political purposes which ultimately weakened the force.

He alleged that Sindh government’s representatives and feudal lords were patronising dacoits which the police did not have modern arms and equipment to challenge them. It was a matter of grave concern that the outlaws appeared equipped with sophisticated weapons, and wondered as to who was providing them such arms. He also demanded that along with police, army and Rangers should launch an operation against outlaws and their patrons. The SUP leader said after this tragedy, the Sindh government should immediately stop political interference in the police affairs and appoint officers of the force on merit.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2022