KARACHI – Targeted killings have come to an end in Karachi and an efficient monitoring system is in place in the city to curb terrorist activities, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah claimed on Saturday while talking to the foreign media at the Chief Minister’s House. According to an official handout, the chief minister said that only two terrorist attacks have occurred in the province during the present government’s tenure.
He said that owing to the collaboration between federal agencies and the provincial police, criminals are being apprehended before they carry out their plans. He appreciated the performance of the police and different agencies, adding that the police would be provided with modern training and equipment for combating the activities of terrorists in the province. The chief minister said that it is one of the prime duties of the government to maintain law and order, provide security to the citizens and protect their lives and properties.
He said that there is a congenial atmosphere in Sindh, particularly Karachi, as far as law and order is concerned. Due to the principle of coexistence and the policy of mutual understanding, as elaborated by President and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, all issues and problems are being amicably resolved, he added. The chief minister said that owing to the president’s wisdom, the provincial government has delivered promptly, all important parties and groups in the Sindh Assembly are coordinated at all times, and every issue has been resolved with mutual understanding and consent.
With reference to the crises faced by Pakistan, every decision has been taken with mutual understanding, many resolutions and bills have been passed in the provincial assembly, and all political parties are jointly working for the interest of the country, he added. Appreciating the role of the MQM, he paid tribute to its chief Altaf Hussain, saying that the government and MQM are jointly working on resolving issues.
The chief minister said that under the guidance of President Zardari and with the cooperation of the MQM chief, special measures are being taken to deal with the problems of the citizens. Some elements have been attempting to create misunderstandings between the PPP and MQM, but whenever the PPP has tried talking to the MQM chief, he has always responded promptly and positively and assured of cooperation for progress, prosperity, development and peace in Sindh, he said.
He added that meetings with other parties have also been held on various issues and their cooperation on political and economic issues has been encouraged, which is essential for maintaining law and order, peace, tranquillity and mutual understanding. On the occasion, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said that the individuals involved in targeted killings are being dealt with accordingly, whereas intelligence agencies have been assigned to combat extortion.
He said that the federation would fully support the Sindh government in these tasks that are essential for investment. He lauded the efforts of the police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies in FATA and other areas of the country, saying that the armed forces would work together with the Sindh government. He added that the people of Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, are patriots, and it must be noted that the days of terrorism are gone because every move of terrorists is being closely monitored.
