• Promises protection for bandits’ families, their rehabilitation
• Suspends implementation on pension reform notifications
• Okays release of 1.265 million tonnes of wheat to stabilise flour prices

KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Monday approved a policy to allow dacoit gangs in the riverine areas of the province to lay down their arms and surrender in return for assurances of protection for their families, rehabilitation and livelihood support.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, was briefed on the Surrender Policy for Dacoits in the Katcha Areas of Sukkur and Larkana Divisions.

Officials told the cabinet members that following successful security operations and extensive negotiations with local communities, many dacoits had expressed willingness to surrender voluntarily.

They said the policy was made to ensure a transparent and humane mechanism for surrender of bandits under the due process of law as well as to uphold the writ of state and promote socio-economic development in the riverine belt.

According to a press statement issued from the CM House, the main features of the policy include mandatory disarmament, protection of families, rehabilitation and livelihood support and access to education, healthcare and vocational training.

It said that the provincial government would also revive schools, health, veterinary and development projects in the riverine areas to sustain peace and stability.

Informed sources, however, said that the dacoit gangs, who were willing to surrender, would not walk free without accountability as they would not be granted immunity from prosecution.

The chief minister directed the home department to launch public awareness campaigns promoting dacoits’ surrender as a path to peace and reintegration.

He also asked the authorities to ensure transparent implementation of the policy and its constant monitoring through separate committees.

The government made the policy after more than 200 dacoits had contacted the Larkana police and expressed their willingness to surrender along with their weapons.

Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar had told Dawn any bandit or group of bandits surrendering peacefully and presenting themselves before the law will be subject to rules and regulations, as the law is clear on matters of surrender.

Education boards bill approved again

The cabinet decided to approve the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Second Amendment) Bill 2025 again without addressing the objections raised by Governor Kamran Tessori.

The governor objected to an amendment that allowed government officers in Grades 19/20, instead of Grade 20/21 to become chairman of any educational board in the province.

However, the cabinet re-approved the amendment and sent the bill to the Sindh Assembly for legislation.

On Aug 8, the Sindh Assembly had passed the BISE bill and the governor, for the second time, refused to give assent to the proposed law.

Pension reforms notifications held in abeyance

According to the press statement, on the directions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and in the wake of the demand of the various employees’ forums laid by Sindh Employees Alliance (SEA), the cabinet approved to hold in abeyance the operation of three notifications issued by the finance department regarding pension reforms.

The cabinet directed the Sindh chief secretary to constitute a committee of the officers from relevant departments and representatives of the SEA that may evaluate the request of the government employees.

Regarding benevolent fund, the cabinet agreed in principle to restructure the payment mechanism of benevolent fund bringing it in line with the GP fund payment at the time of retirement.

A proposal in this regard will be presented before the next cabinet meeting along with financial implications.

The cabinet also directed the finance secretary to consider the request of the employees regarding group insurance and suggest a way forward along with financial implications in the next meeting.

Wheat release policy okayed

The cabinet approved release of 1.265 million metric tons of wheat to flour mills and chakkis at the rate of Rs9,500 per 100 kg bag.

The release policy aimed at stabilising the prices of wheat flour and provide relief to the public, and to ensure financial discipline by using wheat sale proceeds to repay bank loans and reduce liabilities.

The food department will accordingly notify the policy and commence phased wheat releases from the current month onward.

Meanwhile, the cabinet discussed a major fiscal reform proposal to shift the Urban Immovable Property Tax (UIPT) assessment system from Annual Rental Value (ARV) to Capital Value (CV) basis, aligning with IMF-backed national tax harmonisation efforts and practices adopted by Punjab.

The cabinet was told that the existing ARV-based system, unchanged since 2001, does not reflect current market realities and excludes open plots. The proposed CV-based system, already used for stamp duty and property transfer taxes, will ensure fairer valuation, a broader tax base, and enhanced revenue generation for local governments.

It was informed that the transition would follow the Karachi Property Survey, which was expected to add over two million new properties to the tax net by January 2026.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2025