KARACHI: The Army Chief Asim Munir visited Karachi and gave briefings and instructions at the Apex Committee meeting on various issues related to land grabbing, narcotics, smuggling, tax evasion, income from stolen goods, and serious crimes.
A major operation is expected to be launched soon against land grabbers, who will be arrested and tried under terrorism or special courts. No bail will be granted to the accused during the hearings, sources said.
The operation will target around 2,000 small and big land grabbers who have been identified by various institutions. The operation will also vacate 70,000-acre land in Karachi, including mostly the lands listed by Abad Builders. The owners with incomplete court orders will also receive assistance.
The operation will involve 20 police mobiles, 12 Rangers’ vehicles, motorcycles, 2 ambulances, 2 trucks, and lady police, who will work under the supervision of 1 magistrate. The district commissioner, assistant commissioner, SSP, and SHO of the district where the operation will take place will also be responsible for assisting in the operation. The operation will last for one and a half to two months.
The IG Sindh has been assigned the responsibility for cracking down on crimes, drug trafficking, and smuggling. He will be supported by Excise and Coast Guard. The Customs FIA Banking Circle has been given the task of recovering the income from stolen goods and collecting it in the national treasury. They will be assisted by Rangers and other sensitive agencies.