The Sindh government on Wednesday announced to launch a joint mega operation in cooperation with Punjab law enforcers against dacoits of Katcha areas. A high-level meeting on the overall law and order situation in the Sukkur and Larkana Ranges presided over by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar was apprised that the massive operation would begin from Ghotki. The meeting was attended by Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sukkur Nasir Aftab, and the concerned district senior superintendent of police (SSP), the Sindh Information Department said in a handout. On this occasion, the Sindh IG, Sukkur DIG, and Ghotki SSP gave detailed briefings on the ongoing police actions against crime, operational progress, and the achievements attained so far. The briefing informed that police contingents are fully active and vigilant in both riverine (Katcha) and settled (Pakka) areas. READ MORE: Katcha areas: Sindh police achieves decisive successes against dacoits: Lanjar “Hideouts of dacoits are being dismantled, while indiscriminate action is also underway against their facilitators. Through the use of modern technology, drone surveillance, and intelligence-based operations, criminal elements are being effectively pursued. The continued presence of police in Katcha areas is ensuring the eradication of crime,” the forum was informed. Home Minister Lanjar further stated that mistakes can occur during operations, and if any difficulty arises, the Sindh government stands firmly with the Sindh Police. While addressing the meeting, Lanjar termed the professional performance of the police as satisfactory and commendable, and directed that a coordinated and effective strategy be adopted to completely eliminate crime in both Katcha and Pakka areas. He stated that those challenging the writ of the state will be dealt with strictly under a zero-tolerance policy, and no one will be considered above the law. The Sindh home minister instructed the concerned authorities to immediately submit recommendations regarding the required logistic support for the mega operation against dacoits to be launched from Ghotki, including modern drones, weapons, ammunition, and vehicles, which will be approved without delay. “Operational requirements and resources change over time; therefore, relevant institutions should keep the authorities informed in a timely manner so that the mega operation is not affected at any stage and the process of eliminating these brutal, anti-human elements continues uninterrupted,” he said. The home minister expressed his resolve that he would personally monitor the mega operation moment by moment. During the meeting, Lanjar directed the Sindh IG to personally contact the Punjab IG and Bahawalpur regional police officer (RPO), take them into confidence, and ensure all necessary measures for a joint mega operation. READ MORE: Sindh cabinet decides to launch massive operation in Katcha area He said that effective actions against criminal elements are ongoing through mutual cooperation between Sindh and Punjab Police, and such measures will continue in the future under a joint strategy. The Sindh IG also directed that recommendations encompassing the required resources for the mega operation be sent promptly so that all support and approval measures by the Sindh government can be ensured. Later, while speaking to the media, Home Minister Lanjar said that detailed meetings and discussions were held with the officers of Sukkur and Larkana Ranges, and from today onward, special focus will be placed on the districts of Sukkur and Larkana. He informed that individuals kidnapped from Sindh were recovered from Punjab with the full cooperation of Rangers and other security agencies, for which he expressed gratitude to the Punjab government. The provincial minister stated that whether they are notorious dacoits or any other criminals, the law is equal for all and action will be taken against everyone without discrimination. He stated that the killers of journalist Jan Muhammad Mehr will be arrested soon, and that the Sindh Police is fully capable of maintaining complete control over the situation; therefore, there will be no need to call in the army. He said that dacoits are being given a final opportunity to lay down their arms and join the national mainstream; otherwise, they will be eliminated through the use of state force. In conclusion, the home minister reiterated his commitment that no negligence will be tolerated in the protection of life and property of the public, and operations will continue until lasting peace is established in the province.