KARACHI: The Sindh government has ordered a “strict crackdown” against undocumented Afghan nationals following a high-level security meeting on Saturday, mandating the immediate repatriation of any Afghan citizen found without proper permits or identification.

The directives were issued by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar during a meeting convened to discuss the steps to strengthen the state and activate the anti-terrorism committee.

The minister stressed that “delaying tactics or excuses will not be tolerated in this operation”.

Adopting a resolute tone against lawlessness, the home minister declared that terrorism is “the biggest weapon against humanity” and vowed that any terrorist challenging the writ of the state would be “sent to hell”.

Street crime remains biggest challenge, IGP tells home minister

Issuing a stern warning to other criminal elements, Mr Lanjar stated, “I had previously announced for the dacoits that whoever does not lay down their arms will be killed.”

To further bolster provincial security, the minister ordered the establishment of joint, round-the-clock check posts comprising all law enforcement agencies at Sindh’s entry and exit points.

Further technological improvements are also planned, with the minister announcing that drone surveillance in Karachi is set to begin soon under the Safe City Project.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was directed to take action against illegal software and to present a progress report at the next meeting regarding its operations against the online sale of illegal weapons.

Instructions were also issued for the strict scrutiny of schools and colleges established in the name of the armed forces, and official letters will be sent to all deputy commissioners to ascertain the facts.

Police officials were told to intensify the crackdown against scrap dealers and other elements involved in the trade of stolen and snatched mobile phones, which the minister said contributes to a rise in the crime graph.

During the meeting, the inspector general of police reported a decrease in vehicle theft and street crime compared to the previous year, though he acknowledged that street crime is “the biggest challenge at the moment”.

The IG also informed the participants that extortion cases have been almost completely resolved, with most perpetrators arrested and two suspects located in Iran.

He further stated that major drug mafias are under surveillance, and authorities are taking steps to seal their properties in addition to making arrests.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Sindh Home Secretary, IG Sindh, Additional IGs of CTD and Special Branch, as well as representatives from the Rangers, FIA, SPU, Excise, Narcotics, and Customs departments.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026