Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. PHOTO: Radio Pakistan
KARACHI:
The 33rd Apex Committee meeting on Wednesday reviewed the heightened security situation in the metropolis amid the ongoing widening conflict in the Gulf region.
The meeting, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, was attended by the provincial home minister, Karachi corps commander, and senior civil and military officials. Officials were instructed to maintain law and order, enhance protection for foreign nationals, and carry out targeted operations if required.
The committee reviewed security arrangements, including the loss of life and other impacts arising from the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent reprisals from Tehran.
CM Shah directed law enforcement agencies to continue coordinated operations against terrorism, organised crime, land mafias, and illegal weapons. Measures to curb street crime were also discussed.
Authorities reported that 278,816 undocumented migrants have so far been deported, with the chief minister ordering that the process continue and progress be closely monitored.
CM Shah instructed that the Sindh Forensic Science Laboratory be completed by December 2026 to enhance investigative capacity across the province. He also directed that the Counter-Terrorism School be made fully operational to improve professional training and investigative skills.
The chief minister approved a Rs9.49 billion socio-economic development plan for Katcha areas in Sukkur and Larkana divisions. A dedicated ‘District Katcha Uplift Cell’ (DKUC) will be established to oversee health, education, and infrastructure projects, ensuring long-term peace and stability.
CM Shah said improved security in border Katcha areas reflects the success of the government’s disarmament policy, but stressed that sustainable peace requires investment in local development, education, and employment opportunities.
The Apex Committee also reviewed measures under the National Action Plan, including security operations in Katcha areas, protection of foreign nationalsparticularly Chinese workersand curbing other illegal activities.
The chief minister stressed that all security operations should be intelligence-based and targeted. He directed zero tolerance against street crime, smuggling, drug dealing, electricity theft, and illegal weapons possession, and called for coordinated action across all law enforcement agencies.
