In a troubling development, advanced surveillance and speed cameras installed along nearly 200 kilometers of the Sukkur-Multan motorway in Sindh have been stolen by dacoits operating in the katcha, or riverine, areas. These thefts also included solar panels, lighting fixtures, and poles, raising significant concerns about the security and governance in the province. The motorway, a major federal infrastructure project, is now facing serious challenges due to these repeated acts of vandalism and theft.
The law-and-order situation in the katcha regions of Ghotki district, particularly near the Jahan Khan forest, has deteriorated sharply. Armed dacoits have not only uprooted camera poles but also removed solar installations that powered the surveillance equipment. Disturbingly, even the roofs of police checkposts in these remote areas have been found missing, with many posts showing no signs of active use. Essential infrastructure such as lights and reflectors has also been damaged or stolen, further compromising safety and security along this vital route.
Meanwhile, the Sukkur-Multan motorway (M-5), which is considered a flagship federal project aimed at improving connectivity and economic activity, is suffering from severe mismanagement at the provincial level. Streetlights across service areas along the motorway are largely non-functional, and nearly 90 percent of the recently installed solar reflectors have been damaged or removed. This widespread neglect has left the motorway vulnerable to criminal activities and has hampered effective monitoring and enforcement.
In response to the loss of fixed surveillance equipment, motorway police have had to revert to more traditional enforcement methods. Portable speed cameras are now being placed along the roadside to monitor traffic and issue fines, but these measures are less effective than the comprehensive surveillance system initially installed. The ongoing thefts and vandalism underscore the urgent need for improved security measures and better governance to protect critical infrastructure in Sindh.
