KARACHI: Sindh’s Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that street crime has decreased significantly in Karachi, highways have been made safe, crime rate has decreased notably and overall law and order has improved in the wake of effective police operations in the riverine areas and the metropolis.

In a statement issued here on Friday, the minister said that as a result of police actions, several notified dacoits had been killed and many dangerous gangs had been eliminated, leading to a notable decrease in the crime rate.

He said that Sindh police launched a major operation in April 2024 in the riverine areas between Guddu and Sukkur barrages, which had long been considered safe havens for criminals, rendering highways safe and secure and improving law and order.

He said that 68 dacoits, among them five highly wanted, were killed, 122 were injured and 356 were arrested during the operation. Besides, 620 citizens were saved from falling prey to honey-trap, he said.

He said that in 2024, the government ensured major events such as IDEAS, ICC Champions Trophy, a tri-nation cricket series, the West Indies cricket team’s tour, the 9th multinational naval exercise AMAN-2025, arrival of Imam of Bohra community in Karachi, visit of the Iranian president and the Tablighi Ijtema were held peacefully.

He said that from Jan 1, 2025, to March 15 the government achieved more successes, including the killing of 10 dacoits, injuries to 31, and the arrest of 56, while 136 citizens were saved from honey-trap.

Operations were carried out against Teghani, Jatoi, Marfani, Kalhoro, Bhayo, Kokri, Bhangwar, Banglani, Mazari, Jagirani and Shar gangs, in which 78 dacoits were killed, 153 were injured and 412 were arrested, including 25 highly wanted criminals, he said.

He said that police achieved major successes in ongoing fight against crime, leading to a significant decline in kidnapping-for-ransom cases. Between January and March 2025, no kidnapping cases were reported in Sukkur, while four cases were reported in Ghotki and three in Kashmore, all of which resulted in safe recovery of victims. In Shikarpur, eight people were kidnapped, most of whom were recovered safely, he said.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025