SUKKUR: Women belonging to the Laghari and Kalwar communities staged a protest in Sukkur on Wednesday, accusing alleged drug dealers, and a police official who they say patronises them, of harassment, wrongful arrests and intimidation.

The protesters, residents of Garam Godi, among them Fareeda Laghari, Reema Laghari, Moran, Parveen, Rukhsana Laghari and Zahida Kalwar, told reporters that their families had been targeted following police action against suspected drug dealers in the area.

Rukhsana Laghari alleged that police official Rana Sattar had arrested her husband, Bilal Laghari, and registered two false drug-related cases against him owing to personal enmity. She maintained that her family had no involvement in the drug trade and lived in Karachi, and had travelled to Sukkur to visit her mother.

She further alleged that when she approached the official to secure her husband’s release, he demanded Rs20,000. She claimed the money was paid, but her husband remained in custody.

She appealed to senior police officials to take notice, investigate the allegations and ensure justice for her husband.

Zahida Kalwar accused suspected drug dealers of assaulting her and her two brothers after she installed a CCTV camera outside her home for security. She alleged that the men objected to the camera, entered her house, subjected her and her brothers to severe physical torture, threatened them with serious consequences and damaged the camera.

She claimed that her brothers were subsequently arrested, leaving the family distressed and fearful for their safety.

They urged the authorities to provide protection to them and their families, saying they wanted to live without fear, pressure or intimidation and to pursue justice without further hardship.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026