KARACHI: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon agreed on Thursday that effective coordination and cooperation between the federation and provinces is the best way to address national challenges and resolve public issues, according to an official statement.
The understanding was reached during a meeting in Islamabad, where the two leaders discussed a range of important matters, including law and order, inter-provincial cooperation, the eradication of narcotics, and improvements in public services. The meeting also included detailed discussions on efforts to curb drug trafficking and maintain law and order in Karachi and other major cities of Sindh.
Emphasis on Joint Efforts
Speaking on the occasion, Memon said effective coordination and cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was the most effective means of dealing with national challenges. He added that all institutions and governments should work together on matters of national interest. The senior minister said the Sindh government would further intensify its efforts to eliminate crime, maintain law and order, and ensure the protection of citizens.
During the meeting, Naqvi congratulated the Sindh government on its successful operations against dacoits and criminal elements in the riverine (katcha) areas. The interior minister assured the Sindh government of the federal government's full support in maintaining peace and combating narcotics. He also praised the Sindh Police for demonstrating bravery, professionalism, and determination in challenging circumstances, and for playing a commendable role in restoring law and order.
Recent Anti-Narcotics Operation
On May 12, Karachi police arrested Pinky, who was accused of operating one of the city’s most organised narcotics supply networks. The suspect was arrested during a joint operation conducted by city police and a civil agency at an apartment in the Garden area. Investigators claim she was running a sophisticated cocaine processing and delivery operation with links extending beyond Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad and other cities.
According to the police, Pinky not only supplied narcotics to affluent neighbourhoods, including DHA and Clifton, but also personally prepared high-grade cocaine and managed deliveries through female riders and online platforms. Her arrest highlighted the scale of the narcotics trade in Sindh, where substances such as crystal meth (ice), hashish, opium, cannabis, gutka, mawa and mainpuri were reportedly being sold openly in several areas. Authorities said multiple arrests followed, while the provincial government vowed to intensify its crackdown on drug networks.
Security Challenges in Katcha Area
Alongside the narcotics issue, Sindh also faced a long-standing security challenge in its riverine “katcha” belt. Stretching along the Indus River, the region’s dense forests, shifting riverbanks and limited access had historically provided safe havens for heavily armed dacoit gangs. These groups were involved in kidnappings, extortion and violent crime, undermining state authority and hindering local development.
In response, Sindh police intensified operations against these gangs since late last year. Inspector General Javed Alam Odho announced in February that a dedicated katcha force would be revived to police the roughly 400-kilometre stretch, supported by aerial surveillance and improved inter-provincial coordination. Several coordinated operations were conducted with Punjab Police and military units, involving ground raids, drone surveillance and strategic negotiations with armed groups.
In October last year, the Sindh cabinet also approved a policy allowing dacoit gangs in riverine areas to surrender their weapons in return for guarantees of protection for their families, rehabilitation support and livelihood assistance. Since the introduction of the policy, dozens of militants laid down their arms.
