Karachi police have recommended imposing travel restrictions on four individuals associated with alleged drug trafficker Anmol, alias “Pinky,” by placing their names on Pakistan’s Provisional National Identification List (PNIL). This move comes as authorities intensify their probe into a widespread narcotics network operating across several Pakistani cities and internationally.
The Karachi South Zone police have formally requested relevant authorities to ban the foreign travel of four suspects believed to be connected to the case. These include Pinky’s two former husbands, Nasir Ali and police officer Akram, along with her brothers Nasir and Shaukat Bakhsh.
Investigators emphasized the necessity of summoning these individuals for questioning, expressing concerns that they might attempt to evade interrogation by fleeing the country following Pinky’s arrest and the disclosures she made during custody.
In a significant development, Karachi Police Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan announced that the authorities had proposed the immediate addition of these four names to the PNIL watchlist. He noted that while Pinky revealed several names during interrogation, investigators would proceed only after verifying the evidence and confirming their involvement.
The case has also sparked intense discussions within the Sindh Assembly, where lawmakers and ministers debated the extent of narcotics networks and allegations of institutional protection for drug traffickers. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar highlighted that initial investigations indicate Pinky’s network extends beyond Karachi and Sindh, reaching Islamabad and Punjab, with names of her customers emerging from these regions.
Lanjar cautioned against publicizing unverified allegations and confirmed that Pinky remains in custody for further interrogation, with the investigation ongoing and supported by intelligence agencies. He praised the police operation that led to her arrest as a major success but criticized officers who provided special treatment to Pinky during her court appearance, stating that those involved have been suspended and may face arrest if necessary.
The minister stressed the damaging impact of narcotics on families and the youth, declaring the government’s intention to make this case a benchmark for future anti-drug efforts. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers voiced strong criticism of the authorities for the rampant drug trade in Karachi. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Bilal Jadoon accused the system of failing to control drug sales openly occurring in areas like Hijrat Colony and near railway tracks, also condemning the preferential treatment Pinky received in court as detrimental to state institutions.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks throughout the province. He described the campaign against narcotics as the strictest ever launched, emphasizing that drug trafficking is a global issue requiring collective action. Memon noted that several traffickers have been arrested or killed in recent operations and vowed to take action against anyone involved in drug distribution, regardless of their status.
Memon also revealed that the government holds a substantial list of individuals allegedly linked to drug activities but refrained from disclosing names publicly. Sindh Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla added that the excise department is actively conducting anti-narcotics operations, calling Pinky’s arrest a significant achievement. He reported the seizure of 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, underscoring the collective responsibility to combat drugs.
These developments follow disclosures by Karachi police suggesting the alleged narcotics network may have international connections. AIG Azad Khan stated that investigators recovered 869 contacts from Pinky’s mobile phone, including 132 numbers from Karachi. Financial probes have uncovered transactions amounting to approximately Rs300 million linked to the suspect, with multiple bank accounts under review.
Authorities have identified suspected ties with individuals from African countries and operatives based in Lahore, where some foreign nationals connected to the network are reportedly present. Police indicated that Pinky has been involved in drug trafficking since 2014, expanding her operations in Karachi from 2018 onward by utilizing online platforms for distribution.
Pinky was apprehended on May 12 during an intelligence-led raid in Karachi, where police also arrested a cocaine dealer and recovered a 9mm pistol. Investigators are coordinating with the Federal Investigation Agency and cybercrime authorities to trace financial transactions, communication records, and potential international links related to the network.
