In response to escalating regional tensions and recent violent incidents in Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called for the implementation of stringent security protocols and intelligence-driven operations across the province. This directive came during the 33rd session of the Apex Committee, where the focus was firmly placed on maintaining law and order amid the fallout from US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran.
Chairing the high-level meeting, which included senior civil and military leadership such as the Karachi Corps Commander, Murad Ali Shah emphasized the critical need to reinforce the authority of the state. He underscored the importance of safeguarding foreign nationals residing in Sindh, particularly in Karachi, where recent casualties have raised concerns about the security environment. The Chief Minister stressed that targeted operations must be conducted decisively to neutralize threats and restore stability.
The committee undertook a thorough review of the current security landscape, particularly in light of the repercussions from the strikes on Iran that have indirectly affected Karachi. Law enforcement agencies were instructed to maintain coordinated efforts against a spectrum of challenges, including terrorism, organized crime syndicates, land grabbing mafias, and the illegal arms trade. Murad Ali Shah reiterated the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against these threats, highlighting the necessity for continuous and collaborative action.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the ongoing struggle against street-level crime, with officials reporting significant progress in the repatriation of illegal immigrants. To date, more than 278,000 undocumented individuals have been sent back to their countries of origin. The Chief Minister directed authorities to persist with these repatriation efforts and to provide regular updates on their advancement, reinforcing the government’s stance on maintaining demographic and legal order.
Beyond immediate security concerns, the Apex Committee also evaluated the progress made under the National Action Plan, focusing on operations in the vulnerable Katcha areas along the riverine belts of Sukkur and Larkana divisions. In a major development, Murad Ali Shah approved a comprehensive socio-economic uplift package worth Rs. 9.49 billion aimed at these historically underdeveloped regions. This initiative includes the establishment of a dedicated District Katcha Uplift Cell tasked with overseeing improvements in essential sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the improved security situation in the tri-border Katcha belt is a direct outcome of the government’s surrender policy, which encourages militants and criminals to lay down arms in exchange for rehabilitation. However, he cautioned that sustainable peace and stability would require ongoing investment in development projects and the creation of employment opportunities to address the root causes of unrest.
Further discussions during the meeting focused on the implementation of the “Azm-e-Istehkam” strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to combat terrorism and dismantle organized crime networks. Murad Ali Shah reiterated his firm stance against street crime and illegal activities such as smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and power theft. He urged law enforcement agencies to intensify their joint operations and maintain vigilance, particularly regarding the possession and circulation of illegal weapons.
The committee also reviewed progress on institutional capacity building, with significant projects underway to enhance forensic and counterterrorism capabilities. The Sindh Forensic Science Laboratory is slated for completion by December 2026, promising to bolster investigative resources for law enforcement. Additionally, the Counter Terrorism School is being operationalized to provide specialized training aimed at improving the skills of security personnel in tackling complex threats.
Overall, the meeting underscored the Sindh government’s multi-faceted approach to security, combining immediate tactical responses with long-term socio-economic development plans. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of instability, the provincial leadership aims to create a safer and more prosperous environment for all residents, including vulnerable foreign nationals and local communities alike.
