KARACHI: The Chief Minister of Sind, Mr Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, announced yesterday [Nov 11] that a special squad will be created for wiping out illegal liquor dens and drug pedlars throughout the Province. Making a policy statement in the Provincial Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the special squad, being created on the instructions of Prime Minister Z.A. Bhutto, will consist of senior Government officials of integrity and repute.

[Mr Jatoi said] that some MPAs had been patronising criminals, including drug pedlars. He particularly referred to two MPAs who were in league with the criminals. Although he mentioned no names, the Chief Minister showed to the House a group photograph in which an MPA was sitting with known criminals and drug pedlars.

[According to news agencies,] the Chief Minister said that “this MPA, who is a PPP Member”, was “fond of donkey rides” and liked “baring his chest at public meetings”. … He invited Members to furnish particulars of corrupt officials so that appropriate action could be taken against them. … In spite of the best efforts of the Government to eradicate social evils, these were still plaguing society because of “certain people”.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024