KARACHI: Sindh caretaker Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar and Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday agreed to launch an operation against dacoits simultaneously to block their exit points leading to both provinces.

Official sources stated that this decision was taken during a one-to-one meeting between the two chief ministers, held at the annexe of the Chief Minister House.

They said that the caretaker chief ministers discussed important issues, including the cleanup operation against dacoits in the riverine areas of both provinces.

CM Baqar told Mr Naqvi that the dacoits had fled to the katcha area of Punjab when pursued by Sindh police, emphasising the need for a joint and simultaneous operation from both provinces to squeeze them.

Both CMs also agreed to share intelligence and organise joint meetings of the IGPs of both provinces for a coordinated cleanup operation.

The Sindh CM told the Punjab CM that his government had already initiated an operation in the katcha areas of Sukkur and Larkana divisions, which would be intensified with the participation of the Rangers and armed forces.

The Punjab chief minister acknowledged a similar issue existed in the katcha areas of Punjab and expressed the need for a comprehensive operation to eliminate them permanently.

Wheat support price

The caretaker chief ministers also discussed the new support price for the wheat crop for the 2023-24 season.

The two chief ministers agreed to consult with their respective cabinets and, following joint consultations, will decide on the support price for the upcoming wheat crop.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2023