KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly Standing Committee on Home Affairs has directed police to take effective action against the menace of narcotics and launched a vigorous crackdown against “drug mafias” across the province.

The meeting, which was held at the Sindh Assembly and chaired by committee’s chairperson Faryal Talpur, discussed at length law and order situation, street crime, operation in riverine area and the Sindh Forensic Science Laboratory, said a press statement issued on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Talpur said drugs are destroying the younger generation and every segment of society must play its role in combating this menace.

She directed the police to take effective measures to eliminate drugs and to carry out an indiscriminate and vigorous crackdown against drug mafias.

Strict action underway against dacoits and their facilitators in riverine area, home minister tells PA body

She emphasised ensuring strict and organised checking in border areas, adding that random checking should be aimed at preventing the transportation of narcotics.

She further said that the crackdown should be conducted in a manner that makes the police a symbol of fear for drug dealers.

Appreciating the performance of the Sindh Police in the riverine area, she stated that providing a peaceful environment to the public, and restoring basic facilities are among the top priorities of the current government, and all possible measures will be taken in this regard.

Briefing the meeting, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that work was underway to establish a special court for speedy trial of drug-related cases, aimed at ensuring exemplary punishment for the accused at the earliest.

He informed the meeting that a province-wide crackdown against narcotics was ongoing.

He stated that the operation in riverine area was initiated on the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and it had yielded positive results.

“Strict action is ongoing against dacoits and their facilitators, and they have been almost eliminated. Development projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) will be launched to improve infrastructure in riverine areas,” he added.

Mr Lanjar said that civil awards will be announced for Larkana DIG Nasir Aftab, SSP Samiiullah Soomro, Kashmore SSP Murad Ghanghro, SSP Shahzeb Chachar and Ghotki SSP Anwar Khetran.

Inspector General of Police Javed Odho informed the meeting that 133 suspects had been arrested in major drug cases, while 145 FIRs had been registered.

Out of these, 107 accused are currently in jail, he said, adding that the drug mafia networks were being dismantled through systematic crackdowns and strict action was ongoing against them.

He stated that, as a result of successful operations in riverine areas, there are currently no cases of kidnapping for ransom, roads are open, and the law and order situation had significantly improved.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026