Karachi, Sindh’s Caretaker Chief Minister, Justice (R) Maqbool Baqer, in a recent meeting focused on law and order in Karachi, commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police and the city’s police force, emphasizing the need to restore public trust in the police and tackle the challenge of street crime.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, included discussions on the law and order situation in two zones of Karachi. Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhar Alam, Secretary Home Iqbal Memon, IG Police Riffat Mukhtar, and other senior officials attended the meeting at the Chief Minister’s House. DIG Western and Eastern Zones Asim Qaim Khani and Azfar Mahesar presented on crime in their respective areas and police system improvements.

The Chief Minister was briefed on the major issues in the West Zone, including land grabbing, water and electricity theft, and smuggling. DIG West Asim Qaim Khani reported that from September to December 2023, 602 cases were registered in the Central district of West Zone, with 181 solved. He also highlighted the arrests made in street crime cases and actions taken against Gatka and Mawa offenders.

In the East Zone, DIG Azfar Mahesar reported on various challenges, including mafia activities, smuggling, and theft of oil and water. He detailed the progress in solving street crime cases, recovery of stolen mobile phones and vehicles, and arrests of fugitives and Gutka factory operators.

The Chief Minister appreciated the police’s efforts, particularly the inspections conducted in the Western District and the improved management of police stations and case property yards. The IG Police briefed on the implementation of an effective police inspection system in Karachi, the upgrade of the wireless system, and the release of budgets to police stations for operational expenses.

The issue of police stations located on government buildings’ land was raised, leading the Chief Minister to instruct the Chief Secretary to transfer this land to the police department.

The Chief Minister praised the improvement in the Western and Eastern zones and planned to revisit the police stations to assess progress. He announced that another meeting would be convened soon to review the remaining zones in Karachi.