Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said on Saturday that surveillance had been increased in the border areas between Sindh and Punjab following the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Aahan against gangsters in Punjab’s Rajanpur district.
“In the aftermath of ongoing operation against militants in the southern Punjab, it is feared that the outlaws may sneak into the swamp areas of Sindh,” he said in a meeting with Sindh DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar who called on him at the CM House.
The DG Rangers briefed the chief minister about the ground and aerial operation against terrorists, overall law and order situation including targeted operations against criminals.
Meanwhile, Punjab operation and its probable impact in Sindh also came under discussion during the meeting. “It was decided in the last meeting that vulnerable border areas with Punjab would be sealed so that militants could not escape into the province,” a source said.
The DG Rangers further briefed the chief minister about the surveillance of borders, saying the law enforcement agencies had been placed on high alert to stop any infiltration of militant groups into Sindh.
Moreover, Shah lauded the role of law enforcement agencies for restoring peace in Karachi and appreciated the sacrifices of Rangers personnel for bringing stability in the province.
The development came hours after the Pakistan Army took over the charge of a full-fledged ground and aerial offensive in Rajanpur against the notorious Chhotu gang.
“Army troops have been deployed. Take over charge of operation. Cordon reinforced, police and Rangers already in operation will continue to participate under the army,” DG ISPR Lt-Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa said in one of his Twitter messages.
On Friday, the 18th day of Operation Zarb-e-Aahan, army troops joined the police in an effort to rescue 20 law enforcers abducted by gangsters three days ago. At least seven policemen have been killed and another 24 taken hostage by the gangsters. Around 18 policemen are under treatment in different hospitals. Only three bodies of the seven slain policemen have been retrieved due to intense gunfights with the gangsters.