KARACHI/SUKKUR: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has said that a significant breakthrough has been achieved in the ongoing operation against riverine (katcha) area gangs as six more dacoits surrendered before security forces on Tuesday.

According to the Ghotki police, Shaukat Seelro — considered to be symbol of terror within the district and the adjoining areas — and Rahib Shar laid down the arms on Tuesday.

The others who surrendered before police included Rahib Nadir Moli, Zahoor Morio, Sindho Sheikh, Bakhsh Shar (son of Sawaan Shar), Zahoor (son of Zoro Shar), Rahib (son of Qaim Shar) and Morio (son of Manthar Shar).

Separately, two other dacoits, Maindhro Shar and Fateh Mohammad Shar, both residents of Kareem Khan Shar village, also surrendered.

Home minister vows to continue Nijat-i-Mehran until crime eliminated from province

The minister said that eight outlaws laid down their arms and surrendered to the authorities the other day.

He emphasised that the elements challenging the writ of the state were being compelled to surrender before the law.

Mr Lanjar stated that the Sindh government’s mega operation ‘Nijat-i- Mehran’ would continue until crime was eliminated. He made it clear that those who surrendered and submitted to the law would be treated in accordance with legal provisions, while strict action would be taken against anyone who continued to challenge the writ of the state.

He also asked the other wanted criminals to immediately surrender and join the national mainstream; otherwise, action would be taken against them. He reiterated that the government would not compromise on the protection of the life and property of citizens and was determined to cleanse the katcha areas of criminal elements.

The minister commended the professional strategy and courageous actions of the DIG Sukkur, SSPs of Ghotki, Khairpur & Sukkur, and their respective teams for this major success. He also appreciated the effective support and joint operations conducted by the Sindh Rangers, Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other law enforcement agencies.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security across the province, and continuing decisive action against anti-state elements.

Crackdown in Keti Pir Pagara

The Khairpur police on Tuesday claimed to have carried out an extensive crackdown on criminals within the riverine area of Keti Pir Pagara sub-division.

They said that a number of hideouts were demolished, torched and destroyed with the help of heavy machinery.

The action was led by Khairpur SSP Dr Samiullah Soomro, they said, adding that a strong contingent of police and special teams riding armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and equipped with modern electronic and other gadgets were taking part in the ongoing operation.

They said that hideouts of notorious dacoits, including Rehmatullah Jagirani, Shahnawaz Jagirani and Ahmed (alias Ahmedu) Narejo, were destroyed.

“The police sealed the access routes between the katcha and pacca areas and demolished alleged safe havens of the bandits and set them on fire,” a statement issued by the Khairpur police said.

The SSP said that nine suspects were taken into custody for interrogation.

“Permanent police pickets are being established in the cleared areas,” he said, adding the operation would continue until the area was completely cleared of bandits and other criminal elements.

Villagers protest razing of dwellings

Meanwhile, a large number of men, women and children held a two-km-march and later staged a demonstration against the Khairpur police for razing more than 20 huts in their village, Sobal Khan Jagirani.

The village falls within the jurisdiction of the Wada Machhiyoon police station.

Led by Shahnawaz Jagirani, the protesters carrying banners and placards condemned the police action that rendered them homeless.

According to them, they had lodged two FIRs against Gul Sher Jagirani and Jansher Jagirani soon after they, along with around 60 armed men, had gunned down their four relatives — Sanaullah, Zubair, Yasin and Aftab — some eight months ago. They said that while they were still waiting for the arrest of the suspects, the Khairpur police launched an operation to raze their dwellings. The protesters said that as many as 35 mobile vans and heavy machinery were part of the operation, led by City DSP Asadullah Bhatti and the SHOs concerned.

The protesters accused the police force of taking away their valuables, cash, mobile phones and grain stocks.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026