KARACHI: Pakistan’s widening crackdown on an alleged narcotics network linked to suspected drug trafficker Anmol alias “Pinky” has taken a dramatic new turn, with Karachi police seeking travel restrictions on four individuals believed to be closely connected to the case.
Authorities have reportedly recommended placing the names of four suspects on Pakistan’s Provisional National Identification List (PNIL) to prevent them from leaving the country as investigators pursue what officials describe as a multi-city and potentially international drug trafficking operation.
According to police sources, the individuals include Pinky’s two former husbands — identified as Nasir Ali and police officer Akram — along with her brothers Nasir and Shaukat Bakhsh. Investigators believe the suspects may possess critical information regarding the alleged narcotics network and fear they could attempt to flee following Pinky’s arrest and interrogation.
The request was formally submitted by Karachi South Zone police to the relevant authorities amid intensifying investigations into the alleged syndicate’s operations across Karachi, Islamabad and Punjab.
Speaking at a press conference earlier, Karachi Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan confirmed that authorities had recommended placing four names on the PNIL watchlist immediately. He stated that several names had surfaced during the suspect’s questioning, although investigators would only proceed after verifying evidence and alleged connections.
The case has rapidly evolved beyond a standard narcotics investigation and sparked heated debate inside the Sindh Assembly, where lawmakers exchanged accusations over the growing drug trade and alleged institutional support for traffickers.
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar told lawmakers that preliminary findings suggested the alleged network extended far beyond Karachi and Sindh.
“Pinky was also operating in Islamabad and Punjab, and names of her customers have also emerged,” the minister said, while warning against publicly naming individuals without verified evidence.
Lanjar revealed that the suspect had been remanded for further interrogation and that intelligence agencies were assisting investigators in tracing the network’s broader operations. He described the arrest as a major breakthrough for Sindh police but strongly criticised officers accused of providing VIP-style protocol to the suspect during her court appearance.
“The officers who provided protocol to Pinky have been suspended, and if necessary they will also be arrested,” he said.
The minister warned that narcotics were increasingly infiltrating households and damaging the younger generation, adding that authorities intended to make the case a “role model” investigation for future anti-drug operations.
Opposition lawmakers, however, launched fierce criticism of the government’s handling of narcotics-related crime in Karachi.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Bilal Jadoon accused authorities of failing to curb open drug sales in several Karachi neighbourhoods, including Hijrat Colony and areas near railway tracks.
He also condemned the treatment allegedly given to the suspect during court proceedings, arguing that it damaged the credibility of state institutions.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon defended the government’s anti-narcotics campaign, saying authorities were committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks throughout the province.
“We have launched the strictest possible campaign against narcotics,” Memon said, describing drug trafficking as a global issue requiring coordinated action.
He added that several traffickers had already been arrested or killed in recent operations and vowed strict action against anyone found involved in narcotics distribution regardless of their influence or profession.
Sindh Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla also described Pinky’s arrest as a major success, revealing that authorities had seized 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” during anti-drug operations.
The investigation has uncovered increasingly alarming details. According to police, investigators recovered 869 contacts from the suspect’s mobile phone, including 132 Karachi-based numbers now under scrutiny.
Financial investigators have also identified approximately Rs300 million in suspicious transactions allegedly linked to the network, while multiple bank accounts are currently being examined.
Authorities further claimed the network may have international dimensions. Police said suspected links had emerged involving individuals from African countries as well as operatives based in Lahore. Some foreign nationals allegedly connected to the network are reportedly still present in Lahore.
Investigators believe Pinky had been involved in narcotics trafficking since 2014 and significantly expanded operations in Karachi after 2018, allegedly using online communication channels and digital networks to facilitate distribution.
The suspect was arrested on May 12 during an intelligence-based operation in Karachi. Police said another alleged cocaine dealer was detained in the same raid, while officers also recovered a 9mm pistol.
Officials confirmed that coordination is ongoing with the Federal Investigation Agency and cybercrime authorities to trace financial transactions, communication records and potential international connections tied to the alleged narcotics syndicate.
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