SUKKUR: The Sindh government on Wednesday announced a “massive” operation against dacoits in the katcha areas of the province, vowing to eliminate them through the use of state force.

Speaking to reporters after presiding over a high-level meeting on the law and order situation in the Sukkur and Larkana ranges, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said it had been decided that “we are definitely heading towards a massive operation”.

“We will use whatever resources we have, with specific targets, and take ruthless action against the infamous dacoits you see on social media,” he said, adding that special focus would be placed on Sukkur and Larkana.

Asked when the operation against riverine dacoits would begin, the minister said: “You may consider that the operation has begun from today.”

Mr Lanjar said dacoits would be given a chance to lay down their arms and join the national mainstream. “But the absconders or criminals who consider themselves big champions, strict action will be taken against them. There will be a fight, and they will be eliminated through the use of state force,” he warned.

The home minister thanked the Punjab government for its support in a recent “successful” operation in which a no-go katcha area was vacated. He said individuals kidnapped from Sindh were recovered from Punjab with the full cooperation of Rangers and other security agencies, for which he expressed gratitude to the Punjab government.

Responding to a question about seeking the army’s help, Mr Lanjar said: “Sindh police are capable and Rangers are with us, so I do not think we will need the army in our internal matters here.”

He said modern equipment would be provided to security personnel. When asked about reports of dacoits using drones, the minister said: “I do not think drones have reached them. Action is definitely being taken against their facilitators as well.”

On the possibility of a joint operation by Sindh and Punjab police, Mr Lanjar said he had directed the Sindh inspector general to coordinate with his Punjab counterpart and the Bahawalpur regional police officer. “This will surely happen only after a joint effort,” he said, noting that the Machka area extends into Punjab. “I have strong hopes that we will wipe out these dacoits.”

The minister made it clear that whether notorious dacoits or any other criminals, the law was equal for all and action would be taken without discrimination.

Meeting on law and order

Earlier, Sindh IG Javed Alam Odho, Sukkur DIG Nasir Aftab and SSPs of the concerned districts briefed the meeting on ongoing police actions, operational progress and achievements made so far.

The meeting was informed that police contingents were fully active and vigilant in both riverine (katcha) and settled (pakka) areas. Dacoits’ hideouts were being dismantled, while indiscriminate action was underway against their facilitators.

Through the use of modern technology, drone surveillance and intelligence-based operations, criminal elements were being effectively pursued. The continued presence of police in Katcha areas was ensuring the eradication of crime, the meeting was told.

Speaking at the meeting, Home Minister Lanjar said mistakes could occur during operations and, if any difficulty arose, the Sindh government stood firmly by the police. He termed the professional performance of the police satisfactory and commendable, and directed that a coordinated and effective strategy be adopted to completely eliminate crime in both riverine and settled areas.

He said those challenging the writ of the state would be dealt with strictly under a zero-tolerance policy and that no one would be considered above the law.

The minister instructed the authorities concerned to immediately submit recommendations for the required logistic support for the mega operation against dacoits to be launched from Ghotki, including modern drones, weapons, ammunition and vehicles, which would be approved without delay.

He said operational requirements and resources change over time and relevant institutions should keep authorities informed in a timely manner so the mega operation is not affected at any stage and the process of eliminating these brutal, anti-human elements continues uninterrupted.

Mr Lanjar said he would personally monitor the mega operation moment by moment.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2026