Karachi, The Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (R) Maqbool Baqir, in a comprehensive meeting on law and order, praised the Karachi Police and the Inspector General of Police for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust in law enforcement and addressing the challenge of street crime in Karachi.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, as detailed by the Chief Minister’s office, Chief Minister Baqir reviewed the law and order situation in the West and East Zones of Karachi. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhar Alam, Secretary Home Iqbal Memon, and IG Police Rifat Mukhtar, participated in the discussions. DIGs of the Western and Eastern Zones, Asim Qaimkhani and Azfar Mahesar, briefed on the crime situation and police system improvements in their areas.

The Chief Minister was informed about the predominant issues in both zones, including land grabbing, smuggling, water and electricity theft, and street crime. In the West Zone, DIG Asim Qaimkhani reported significant challenges like occupation mafia and smuggling, with 602 cases registered and 181 solved from September to December 2023. The police also arrested 1731 street criminals, with a majority in jail or on bail.

In the Eastern Zone, DIG Azfar Mahesar highlighted issues like theft of oil and water, and road blocks. From September to December 2023, the police recorded 785 street crime cases, recovering hundreds of stolen mobile phones and vehicles, and arresting numerous fugitives and offenders.

The Chief Minister appreciated the police’s efforts in both zones, especially the inspections conducted and improvements in police stations. IG Police Rifat Mukhtar briefed on the improvements in police station infrastructures, record-keeping, and the introduction of an effective police inspection system in Karachi. The police have also upgraded their wireless systems and are setting up yards for case property vehicles and motorcycles.

Addressing the issue of police stations located on government land, the Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to transfer the land to the police department for official use.

The Chief Minister commended the improvements in the Western and Eastern zones and announced plans to revisit the police stations to assess progress. He also stated that a follow-up meeting would be scheduled soon to review the remaining zones in Karachi.