Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday announced the launch of a massive security operation against dacoits operating in the riverine katcha areas. He said the campaign would involve decisive and targeted action to restore law and order in the troubled region.
Speaking to the media alongside Sindh Inspector General of Police Jawed Akhtar Odho, the home minister said all available resources would be used to eliminate criminal networks. He stressed that the operation would be “ruthless” against hardened criminals, adding that no notorious dacoit would be spared.
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Lanjar clarified that while the state would act firmly, those willing to surrender would be given an opportunity to lay down their arms. He warned that absconders and repeat offenders would face strict legal action without any leniency.
The minister confirmed that Sindh Rangers would participate alongside the Sindh Police in the operation. He also said the services of Punjab Police would be required, given the cross-provincial nature of criminal activity in the katcha areas bordering Punjab.
The announcement comes months after a significant surrender of dacoits in October 2025, when at least 72 armed criminals laid down their weapons in Shikarpur. Several of those who surrendered were among the most-wanted suspects, carrying bounties worth millions of rupees.
According to officials, the combined bounty on the surrendered dacoits exceeded Rs60 million. The surrender ceremony included the display of heavy weaponry, such as Kalashnikovs, rocket launchers and anti-aircraft guns, highlighting the firepower previously held by criminal gangs.
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Notorious figures like Nisar Sabzoi, wanted in dozens of cases, and Sukhio Teghani, facing multiple charges across police stations, were among those who surrendered. Their arrests were seen as a breakthrough in curbing riverine crime.
Last month, a joint operation by Sindh Police and Rangers in the katcha belt also yielded notable results. Authorities say the renewed offensive aims to dismantle remaining gangs that exploit the difficult terrain along the Punjab–Sindh border and pose ongoing security threats.