President for socio-economic uplift of Sindh's Kacha areas

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari said criminals of Kacha Area in Sindh, except hardened criminals, willing to surrender to the state should be gradually mainstreamed and rehabilitated so they could become responsible and productive citizens of the country. 

He was chairing a meeting in Sukkur on Monday, regarding security and law and order situation.  

The President called for stern action against hardcore criminals involved in heinous crimes.  

He emphasized the need to improve the road, health, and education infrastructure of the Kacha Areas on a priority basis to improve the socio-economic condition of the people.

He advised that a Qaumi Jirga, comprising of tribal chiefs, should be convened to engage and negotiate with the local population to bring normalcy, prevent crimes, de-weaponize and improve the security situation in the area.

The President underlined the need for modernizing the police force by enhancing their capacity, providing modern equipment and weapons and logistics to effectively meet the security challenges.

He said we should encourage women to join Sindh Police and welfare of the families and children of martyrs of Sindh Police should be ensured.          

The President directed to expedite the process of upgradation of Sakrand Police Commando School and provision of land for the establishment of Cadet College for Police. He added that selected students of the Cadet College would be educated and trained to join the Sindh Police.            

The President appreciated the performance of the Sindh Government, Police and Rangers in controlling crime and improving the security situation of the province.        

During the meeting, the President was briefed about the law-and-order situation in Sindh.

He was apprised that the crimes and violence in Sindh, especially in Karachi and Kacha Areas, has witnessed a declining trend due to the effective strategy adopted by the police and Rangers.

The Inspector General Sindh Police said dacoit activities have been considerably reduced and no highways-related crime has been reported in the past two months.

It was highlighted that targeted operations and installation of smart cameras had helped control crimes and identify and arrest criminals and their abettors.

The meeting was further informed that, as per the directives of the President, the campaign against drug peddlers has also been intensified while smart cameras have been installed to monitor the entry points of the province.