SHC Slams Police for Karachi’s Drug Crisis Threatening Security

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The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued a stern reprimand to Karachi police for failing to address the city’s growing drug crisis and served a contempt notice to the Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police for failing to appear in court. The action was taken during a bail hearing for Bakhti Rawan, a repeat offender facing 27 drug-related cases.

Presided over by Chief Justice Ahmed Ali M. Shaikh, the SHC expressed alarm over the widespread availability of narcotics in Karachi. The court noted the presence of addicts in public areas and reports of drugs being sold near educational institutions. It also questioned the police’s seizure patterns—often 50 grams for users and 500 grams for suppliers—suggesting either systemic incompetence or collusion within law enforcement. The court emphasized, “We are here to enforce the law, not offer excuses.”

Additional Inspector General (AIG) Javed Alam Odho admitted that narcotics are primarily trafficked from Afghanistan through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, overwhelming Karachi’s defenses. He acknowledged societal stigma and institutional reluctance as key obstacles in combating the crisis. Despite support from the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), he noted that local efforts remain inadequate.

A 2021 police report identified over 360 active drug dens in Karachi, some involving law enforcement personnel. Recent estimates suggest the number has now exceeded 1,000. The Special Security Unit (SSU)—established in 2010 to handle high-risk operations—has been underutilized in this regard and is often deployed for VIP protection instead of targeted enforcement.

The SHC warned that Karachi’s youth are increasingly at risk, stating, “The next generation will be destroyed.” The court demanded urgent reforms, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and strict accountability within the police force. Without decisive intervention, Karachi’s worsening drug epidemic will continue to erode public safety and national stability.