KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed progress on three key issues — action against illegal water hydrants, wheat reserves, and the ongoing operation against dacoits in the Katcha areas.
Crackdown on Illegal Hydrants and Tankers
Chairing a meeting at CM House, Shah was briefed by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab about the campaign against illegal water hydrants. Wahab said 243 illegal hydrants have been demolished so far, 212 FIRs registered, and 103 suspects arrested.
He added that around 3,200 water tankers have been registered through QR codes, improving water distribution and boosting the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (KWSC) revenue by Rs60 million.
The CM ordered that the campaign against the illegal tanker mafia must continue “without any pause” until it is completely eliminated.
Wheat Reserves Sufficient Till Feb 2026
In a separate meeting on wheat stocks and supply, Shah announced that Sindh has 1.3 million tons of wheat reserves, enough to meet the demand of Sindh and Balochistan until February 2026, with the new crop expected in March.
— ALSO READ —
New gas connections in Pakistan to be issued only on RLNG
Officials informed him that the monthly wheat requirement for both provinces is 400,000 tons, while 600,000 tons are also available in the open market.
The CM directed the Food Department to draft a wheat release policy and strictly monitor flour prices to prevent artificial hikes. He said his government is committed to food security and price stability across Sindh.
Operation Against Dacoits in Katcha Areas
The chief minister also reviewed the ongoing operation against dacoits in the Katcha riverine belt.
He declared that eliminating dacoits was non-negotiable and directed police to intensify intelligence-based operations (IBOs), especially in flood-affected areas. “With parts of the Katcha belt flooded, many criminal elements are displaced. This is the right time to root them out,” he added.
Shah instructed Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah to prepare an infrastructure development plan for the region, including roads, schools, hospitals, dispensaries, and transport facilities. Rehabilitation work will start once floodwaters recede.
— ALSO READ —
Pakistan’s ministry releases list of 113 certified Umrah companies
Police Operations Update
Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon briefed the meeting that from January 2024 to September 2025, police carried out 760 targeted operations and 352 search operations.
During this period, 159 dacoits were killed, including 10 in Sukkur, 14 in Ghotki, 46 in Kashmore, and 89 in Shikarpur.
A total of 823 suspects were arrested, including eight most-wanted criminals, and 962 weapons were seized.
The CM highlighted the importance of infrastructure projects like the Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge, saying it would boost connectivity and help restore peace in the area.
“The top priority of the Sindh government is to maintain law and order across the province,” he said.
The meetings were attended by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, IGP Memon, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, and other senior officials.
