KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar has expressed “sadness and disappointment” over police conduct in the high-profile Anmol Pinki drug case, announcing the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe lapses and ensure prosecution.
Speaking to a private TV channel, the minister said he felt “very ashamed” that the system had functioned the way it did. “As the Sindh Home Minister, I feel very ashamed that the system will work like this,” he said.
Zia Lanjar said the JIT would comprise the Additional Inspector General (AIG), a representative from intelligence agencies, and a bureaucrat, adding that the team would examine “how strong the police challan for physical remand was” and pursue custody of the accused in all pending cases.
“Remand will be taken against the accused Pinki in all cases. This is a test case for us,” the minister said. “Action will be taken and arrests will be made against whoever is responsible. We will ensure that the accused does not get out.”
Terming Anmol Pinki a “cocaine maker and a running drug factory,” the minister said the network was not limited to one individual. “There are not just one Pinki, but many other gangs,” he said, adding that most drug gangs were based in Karachi “because it is easy to hide here.”
The minister credited the arrest of the accused to “the hard work of intelligence and police,” but stressed that structural issues within the force needed to be addressed. “I have suspended three officers of Garden Police and am forming a JIT which will also include Additional IG, intelligence representative and bureaucrat,” he said.
Zia Lanjar also questioned the judiciary’s handling of the initial remand. He announced plans to file a petition against a female magistrate for refusing to grant even 24-hour custody in what he called a “high-profile case.” “Not giving remand is also a question mark,” he said.
It may be added here that the Anmol Pinki case has drawn public scrutiny in recent days amid concerns over the alleged scale of the narcotics operation and the response of law enforcement agencies. The minister reiterated that the case would set a precedent for future anti-narcotics actions in the province.
