Sindh Rangers arrested 197 high-profile suspects during 2023

The Pakistan Rangers Sindh during the year 2023 in targeted and intelligence-based actions with the police conducted a total of 163 operations against terrorism, target killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion.

Officials said that as many as 197 high-profile suspects were arrested during various operations. The arrested suspects included terrorists of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Daesh, MQM- London and Lyari gang war.

The paramilitary force arrested 151 suspects involved in terrorism in 109 operations. In other 19 operations, the Rangers arrested 11 target killers.

In a total of 32 operations in 2023, at least 30 extortionists belonging to various proscribed organisations were arrested. In three operations, the Rangers apprehended five kidnappers.

The paramilitary force seized 34 weapons and ammunition of 235 types during its operations in 2023.

The Rangers also conducted a total of 708 operations against robbery, street crime, drug peddling and other criminals in 2023, during which 2,292 suspects were arrested. In a total of 135 operations, 524 dacoits were arrested by the Rangers while 474 drug peddlers were arrested in 96 operations. In 477 operations, 1,294 other suspects were arrested.

During various operations, 79 high profile dacoits, drug peddlers and criminal suspects were arrested. Moreover, in the above operations, 660 different types of weapons and 5,502 ammunition were recovered.

A total of 168,552.696 kilogrammes of narcotics were seized during the operation against drug peddling in Karachi and interior Sindh. This included 1,158.982 kg hashish, 32.811 kg heroin, 37.728 kg opium, 23.745 kg ice/crystal, 153,740.93 kg gutka and 145,276.5 kg betel nuts.

Items worth Rs3.33 billion, including sugar, cigarettes, cloth, safari items, Iranian blankets and various types of food items, were recovered in 27 operations during 2023.

A total of 373,211 litres of illicit Iranian oil worth Rs120 million was recovered during a total of 160 anti-smuggling operations. During the operations, 270 suspects were also arrested.

Officials said a total of 4,437 people were arrested during the operation against illegal foreigners living in Pakistan. Of these, 1,329 people were handed over to the Balochistan government while 42,708 people were sent back to their country with the help of the Balochistan government. Moreover, a total of 34 operations in the Katcha areas were carried out and 132 suspects arrested since September 2023, with 78 weapons and 4,580 ammunition of different types recovered from their possession.

The Rangers also took action against illegal water hydrants and water theft in 2023 in 99 operations. Thirty of 209 illegal hydrants were sealed and 179 others were demolished in those 99 operations during which 177 suspects were also arrested.

A total of 72 illegal subsoil bore and 165 illegal freshwater connections were removed during 21 operations against illegal subsoil bore and freshwater connections.

As a result of the above actions, about 25 MGD of stolen water was returned to the supply system of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Corporation.

Officials said the Rangers controlled the law and order situation in Karachi and interior Sindh and provided security during various events, especially by-elections, PSL, visits of foreign cricket teams to Pakistan, and religious festivals of Muslim and other communities.

Moreover, A total of 114 complaints were received by the Pakistan Rangers through the Rangers Madadgar Cell set up to solve problems of the citizens. Of those complaints, 26 were resolved and 27 people detained.

A total of 11 personnel of the Singh Rangers were injured and three embraced martyrdom in 2023 while performing duty.