Copyright pakistantoday
First major surrender since provincial cabinet approved the ‘Sindh Surrender Policy’ on Oct 7 Lanjar warns holdouts: ‘Surrender or we will come for you inside your hideouts’ IGP says law & order improving, 171 killed, 421 captured in operations Policy focuses on rehabilitation, education, and livelihood support for surrendered men. SHIKARPUR/KARACHI: In a major breakthrough against decades of banditry in the riverine belt, at least 72 hardened dacoits laid down their arms before authorities under the Sindh government’s newly launched ‘Sindh Surrender Policy,’ the Home Department announced on Wednesday. The landmark move—the first phase of a broader amnesty and rehabilitation framework—allows outlaws to surrender in exchange for protection of their families, access to rehabilitation, and support for lawful livelihoods. According to the provincial home department’s statement, the 72 dacoits who turned themselves in collectively handed over more than 200 weapons, including 62 G3 rifles, 97 submachine guns, 48 double-barrel shotguns, two RPG-7s, an anti-tank recoilless rifle, and a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun. Their combined bounty stood at Rs60 million, officials confirmed. The sun of peace rises in Kachha🙌🏽 The victory of the Sindh govt’s determination, The promise of peace Eliminating crime from the province♥️ The Sindh govt launched a voluntary surrender scheme for robbers, The robbers of Shikarpur surrendered themselves. pic.twitter.com/xypuRLH6Pd — Raza Dharejo PPP (Official) (@RazaDharijo) October 22, 2025 “For decades, dacoit gangs armed with heavy weaponry have operated with impunity in northern Sindh and southern Punjab,” the statement noted, adding that the policy represents “a decisive shift from conflict to rehabilitation.” At a formal surrender ceremony held at the SSP’s office in Shikarpur, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar presided as the chief guest. Also present were Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon, senior police and Rangers officers, and PPP leaders Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh, Shehryar Mahar, Abid Bhayo, and Gul Muhammad Jakhrani. A Rangers sector commander told participants that 282 dacoits had applied under the surrender policy so far, with 70 applications approved. “Today, more than 70 dacoits have surrendered themselves to the law, and 209 weapons have been laid down,” he said. Addressing the surrendered dacoits, Home Minister Lanjar lauded their decision, calling it a “commendable step towards peace and reintegration.” “By surrendering, you have shown a desire to live as law-abiding citizens. After serving your sentences, you will rejoin the peace-loving community of this province and nation,” he said. Lanjar urged other outlaws to follow suit, warning that those who resist “will be dealt with inside their hideouts.” “Surrender yourselves, or we will come for you. You are the enemies of poor people and their property,” he cautioned, while appreciating tribal elders for helping the government in negotiations. صدر پاکستان جناب آصف علی زرداری نے سکھر میں وزیراعلیٰ سندھ اور سیکیورٹی اداروں کے نمائندوں کے ساتھ ملاقات میں واضح پالیسی دی کہ حکومت تمام اسٹیک ہولڈرز کے ساتھ مل کر قیام امن کے لیے مربوط حکمت عملی بنائے۔ وزیر داخلہ سندھ ضیاء الحسن لنجار کا شکارپور پولیس لائن میں سرنڈر پالیسی کے… pic.twitter.com/y1h0vvORlh — Sindh Information Department (@sindhinfodepart) October 22, 2025 The home minister assured that the Sindh government would support the education and future of children of those who surrender, pledging a “comprehensive rehabilitation process” to help reintegrate them into society. Meanwhile, IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon said the overall law and order situation in Sindh was improving significantly, crediting recent security operations. “Kidnapping for ransom had remained a challenge for over 40 years but has now almost ended. Areas once overrun by dacoits are now cleared,” he said, adding that 171 dacoits have been killed and 421 captured or injured during police operations. Sindh Surrender Policy: A shift from enforcement to rehabilitation Approved by the Sindh cabinet on October 7, the new surrender policy aims to encourage dacoit gangs from the riverine regions—spanning Shikarpur, Kashmore, and parts of Ghotki—to lay down arms voluntarily. Under the policy, surrendering outlaws are guaranteed protection for families, rehabilitation and livelihood support, and access to education, healthcare, and vocational training. Officials briefed the cabinet earlier that the initiative followed months of backchannel negotiations with tribal intermediaries after extensive police and Rangers operations had weakened several criminal networks. Importantly, the government clarified that surrender does not mean pardon or immunity — all individuals will be subject to the law, with only rehabilitation and social reintegration benefits extended after due legal process. The Sindh government also plans to revive schools, healthcare, veterinary services, and development projects in the riverine belt to sustain long-term peace and prevent future recruitment by criminal gangs. Lanjar described the surrender policy as “a turning point for Sindh,” marking the start of “a new era of stability and development in the long-neglected katcha areas.”
