Government plans dedicated narcotics force as committee reviews ‘Pinky’ drug case
KARACHI:
As the high-profile ‘Pinky’ drug trafficking case continues to unfold, the Sindh government has decided to establish a dedicated narcotics force and is considering the creation of a drone unit to strengthen anti-drug operations across the province.
The Sindh Assembly’s Standing Committee on Home Affairs on Thursday reviewed progress in the case and discussed a series of measures aimed at strengthening the province’s anti-narcotics efforts, including the creation of a dedicated narcotics force and a drone unit.
During a briefing, Sindh Police informed the committee that the prime suspect, Anmol alias Pinky, had frequently travelled to and from Nigeria. Police said a Nigerian handler linked to the network had been arrested in Lahore and claimed that a cocaine manufacturing facility associated with the suspect was also operating there.
Officials clarified that reports circulating in the media about Pinky’s arrest were inaccurate, adding that 13 riders allegedly involved in supplying narcotics for the network had been arrested. Police denied reports suggesting the involvement of any prominent political or public figures in the case.
Opposition lawmakers, however, demanded that the names of any influential individuals linked to the case be made public. The committee also discussed legal ambiguities in the anti-gutka law. MNA Qadir Patel pointed out that the existing definition could unintentionally include products such as paan and naswar because it broadly refers to substances containing tobacco and lime. He also noted that the law uses the word “lime” rather than the more specific term “limestone.” The home minister assured the committee that the legal wording would be reviewed and corrected where necessary.
Talpur also sought a briefing on reports of opium cultivation in Qambar Shahdadkot and Dadu districts. DIG Sukkur Nasir Aftab informed the committee that access to certain areas remained difficult and authorities were using drones to spray and destroy illicit crops.
