KARACHI:
Despite repeated empty promises by our politicians and a series of armed operations, the government has failed to permanently dislodge the outlaws from their hideouts. The riverine (Katcha) areas of the tri-border Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, especially the districts of Kashmore, Shikarpur and Ghotki in Sindh, have long been havens for criminal gangs and no-go areas for peace.
So, why do operations have to be launched every few years? Why can the bandit problem in the Katcha areas of the three provinces not be addressed permanently? We have often witnessed the tragedy where armed criminals are fighting with advanced weaponry while security personnel make do with less effective arms. A few officers who launched operations against the bandits themselves without advanced technology or weapons deserve appreciation.
With the advancements in drone technology, it should not be too difficult to precisely locate the outlaws’ hideouts and prevent them from accessing lethal weaponry.
It is high time that the government stopped its boasting and delivered a solid framework consisting of a comprehensive, technology-driven operation to completely dislodge the scourge of dacoits who openly challenge the state.
Imdad Hussain Lashari
Kandhkot
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2024.
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