KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) on Saturday claimed that they carried out 269 operations against terrorism, targeted killings, extortion and kidnapping for ransom, and arrested 65 ‘high-profile’ suspects involved in these four categories of heinous crimes.

These high-profile suspects were linked with ‘Lyari gang-war, MQM-London and outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),’ according to the paramilitary force spokesperson.

Giving break-up, the official said that total 181 operations were conducted against terrorism in which 60 suspected terrorists were apprehended. Four hitmen were detained in 10 operations conducted against targeted killings.

Total 48 operations were carried out against extortion (bhatta) and total 61 extortionists were held.

Similarly, 30 operations were conducted against kidnapping for ransom and 40 kidnappers were arrested.

During said actions, 34 different kinds of arms, 1,877 ammunition and 14 Russian-made rockets were seized.

The paramilitary force also carried out 506 operations against dacoities and arrested 725 dacoits. Total 659 operations were conducted against narcotics in which 738 drug peddlers were detained.

The paramilitary force also conducted action against ‘illegal’ immigrants and arrested total 1,719 people. Of them, 1,056 were handed over to the police for further legal action while 663 were handed over to the Balochistan government to send them back to their own country.

Two personnel of the paramilitary force were martyred and five got injured while performing their duty in outgoing year of 2022.

Apart from actions against criminals, the Rangers also actively took part in welfare activities like helping flood-hit people etc, the Rangers spokesperson said.

Published in Dawn, january 1st, 2023