Sindh home dept proposes special unit to address social media misuse

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presided over the 32nd Apex Committee meeting of the province and announced the establishment of a special unit to address cases of social media misuse.

The special unit -- Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism – will focus on strategies to combat violent extremism. The meeting emphasised the need for coordination with Punjab and Balochistan to plan joint operations against dacoits in the Katcha areas. “Illegal foreign nationals living in the provinces are being repatriated as per policy of the federal government,” CM Murad said.

He expressed concern about the increasing number of road accidents in Karachi, as well as incidents of tankers and dumpers being set on fire. He instructed the police to take strict action against dumpers and trucks that were operating on the roads in violation of traffic rules and regulations. Additionally, he directed the police to apprehend those responsible for arson attacks on the tankers.

The meeting held at the CM House was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Mohammad Avais Dastgir, Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, DG Rangers Maj General Muhammad Shamraiz, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, IGP Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, PSCM Agha Wasif, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, and representatives of the FIA, Customs, and other agencies concerned.

Special unit

Following the central APEX decision, the Sindh Home Department proposed the Sindh Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act, 2025, to combat violent extremism and terrorism. The CM directed the home secretary to present the draft law in the next cabinet meeting.

Once established, the centre will focus on research, policy development, and strategies to counter violent extremism. It will also provide support to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on terror financing investigations and work to counter online radicalization, hate speech, disinformation, and youth delinquency.

The meeting was told that under Peca, a Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority (of the federal government) has been created to ensure online safety and protect the rights of individuals on social media. The authority will have the power to regulate unlawful or offensive content on social media platforms, manage the enlistment of these platforms, partially or fully block them, and issue guidelines and directives for standards regarding content. Additionally, it can direct relevant authorities to block or remove unlawful or offensive content.

Repatriation

The meeting was informed that the Sindh government completed Phase I of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) in 2023-24, during which 85,916 illegal foreigners were repatriated. Transit points were established in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Jacobabad under the supervision of the respective deputy commissioners.

Following the completion of Phase I, the ministry of the interior said that the federal government would initiate the repatriation of all ACC holders (Phase II) in February 2025. The repatriation of ACC holders under Phase II commenced on April 1, 2025, with the Sindh government allocating Rs200 million for operations at transit points in Keamari and Jacobabad.

It was pointed out that 29,926 illegal foreigners were residing in the province, and their data mapping has been completed for repatriation. At present, 479 have been repatriated, while around 400 are awaiting deportation at a camp.

Coordination

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah discussed the issue of dacoits in the northern districts along the River Indus. He stated that his government is coordinating with the Punjab and Balochistan provinces to plan joint operations against dacoits in the Katcha areas to prevent their escape into neighbouring provinces.

The Sindh Home Department has contacted the home departments of Punjab and Balochistan to inform them about decisions made by the Sindh CM in apex committee meetings. They explained that the aim is to devise a comprehensive strategy for conducting simultaneous operations against dacoits in the Katcha areas across all three provinces. This approach is designed to prevent dacoits from evading capture by crossing provincial borders.

A proposal was made to schedule a meeting on a suitable date in one of the border districts. This will allow for a first-hand assessment of the operational environment, enabling participants to better understand the ground realities and tailor their strategies accordingly.

Revised NAP

At the outset, CM Shah emphasised the need for rigorous pursuit of counterterrorism cases, declaring zero tolerance for militants. The main components of NAP include strengthening the counterterrorism departments (CTDs), combating terrorism in various media forms, choking off terrorist financing, regulating religious seminaries, and reforming the criminal justice system.

Implementation

Regarding the purchase and sale of stolen mobile phones, Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon reported ongoing meetings with the district SSPs and associations, maintaining sales registers. In response to a recommendation, 234 scrap dealers selling stolen property (vehicles) and 27 individuals involved in unblocking stolen mobile phones were arrested. The Sindh Information Department has set up a monitoring system to track media violations, with potential penalties.

The Legal Committee meeting held on March 27, 2025, revealed that the federal government is finalising amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to be presented in parliament, advising provincial authorities to await these changes before enacting amendments.

Terrorism cases

The meeting discussed the importance of properly following up on counterterrorism cases in the courts. It was noted that in 2025, a total of 23 cases were registered. Out of these, seven cases were challaned and are currently under trial. Convictions have been secured in four of these cases, while the others are still in the trial process. In 2024, there were convictions in only two cases.

It was revealed that in 2025, the police conducted 318 intelligence-based operations, registered 153 cases, arrested 84 suspects and killed 12. Furthermore, the meeting was told that two cases of choking of terror financing and proscribed organisation were registered, of which one was challaned which is under trial.

The meeting was told that the Social Welfare Department oversees the establishment of rehabilitation centres, with two currently operational in Malir and Manghopir, launched in December 2022 in collaboration with the ANF.

Chinese security

During the meeting, it was reported that Chinese workers involved in both CPEC and non-CPEC projects are receiving security. The security forces include personnel from the Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Army, Rangers, and the Frontier Corps.

An FBR representative told the meeting that during the 3rd quarters of 2024-25, they have seized goods worth Rs16214.54 million being smuggled through 222 seizures. The major seizures include 10,008 mobile sets, and 5027 tires.

Regarding the Hub Check Post, it was noted that the CM has allocated Rs214 million for its establishment. Currently, land identification and cost estimates are in progress. The check post will be jointly operated by various agencies to combat smuggling and will be equipped with the latest technology and gadgets.