KARACHI: The much-trumpeted operation against dacoit gangs in the riverine (kutcha) areas of Sindh and Punjab still seems far-off as the police chiefs of the two provinces as well as of Balochistan have yet to complete their preparations for the so-called decisive action, it emerged on Wednesday.
Informed sources told Dawn that Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar and Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a detail discussion regarding the operation in riverine areas and agreed to wait for drop in water level in Indus River to launch the clean-up operation against dacoits.
The three interim provincial governments have been discussing the launch of a joint operation in the three provinces simultaneously for the past several weeks, but they still do not appear to have completed their preparation and remove the bottlenecks to launch the action against dacoits.
The approval of an operation has been given multiple times and the Sindh Apex Committee — a forum of civil and military officials — has also approved a grand operation clean-up in the riverine areas.
Punjab, Sindh CMs decide to wait for drop in Indus water level to launch clean-up operation
First, the then chief minister Murad Ali Shah-led cabinet in March had approved an operation clean-up and then the caretaker cabinet took up the matter in its meeting on Sept 14 and decided to launch a massive operation in the riverine areas and shutdown of internet services.
On Sept 22, the 28th meeting of the Apex Committee approved yet another time a comprehensive joint operation with army and Rangers against dacoits in the riverine areas.
The apex body was told that sophisticated military-grade weapons such as sniper rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, night vision devices, and drones were required for the operation. However, it was disclosed in the meeting that a no-objection certificate (NOC) for purchase of such weapons was pending approval with the interior ministry and Justice Baqar directed the chief secretary to approach the interior ministry for the NOC on procurement of military-grade weapons from the army.
On Wednesday, the CMs of Sindh and Punjab held a meeting at Sindh CM House and discussed, among other things, the joint clean-up operation against the dacoits in the riverine areas of Sindh and Punjab.
A spokesperson for the CM HOuse said that Justice Baqar and Mr Naqvi agreed that the required weapons and gadgets would be obtained shortly and by the time the water level in the Indus River would also considerably come down to start the operation.
“The operation will be launched as soon as the inspectors general of police of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan complete their preparation,” he added.
Baqar, Naqvi visit NICVD
The two caretaker chief ministers also visited the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) to witness its patient service, structure and performance so that a similar institute could be established in Punjab.
A press statement said that during their visit both the chief ministers interacted with patients in the emergency and in the CCU and asked about services and the care being provided to them.
The Punjab chief minister expressed his satisfaction in developing chest pain clinics along main roads.
“This is an innovative way of providing healthcare to the patients free of cost,” he said.
Talking to the media at the NICVD, Mr Naqvi said that the purpose of his visit to NICVD was to get first-hand information and witness the quality of treatment and care so that a similar institution could be established in Punjab.
He expressed his satisfaction and appreciated the provincial government for establishing such an institution in the public sector.
