The Pir Pagaro-led Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) on Friday offered to play a mediatory role among the political parties having influence in Karachi for restoration of peace in the city.
PML-F leader Imtiaz Sheikh expressed these views while speaking at a press conference along with Sindh Assembly opposition leader Jam Madad Ali at the Jam House.
“The law and order situation in Karachi has spiraled out of control and the government has failed in maintaining peace. The situation can be improved through political dialogues and PML-F leader Pir Pagaro can play his role in this regard,” he said.
Appealing that President Asif Ali Zardari uses his influence for initiating dialogue among the political parties, Sheikh said the PML-F will also ask Pir Pagaro for playing a mediatory role among the political parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for restoration of the peace in the metropolis.
On the occasion, Jam Madad said the government has failed in protecting the lives and properties of citizens as 18 to 20 people are killed everyday. “The MQM may part ways with the government but it is a fact that it is a big political party of the city and therefore dialogue can be initiated with the MQM leadership for the sake of peace.”
Criticizing the involvement of Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik in provincial affairs, Jam Madad went on to say that the interior minister was responsible for disrupting peace in the city and ‘the law and order situation is worsening due to Malik’s interference.’
“The interior minister should reveal details of those target killers whom he claims to have been identified,” he said.
The opposition leader informed the journalists about an incident that occurred on Thursday night in which his family members were robbed on gunpoint. The incident took place when his family members were returning home after attending a wedding ceremony and the criminals attempted to kidnap some family members but failed to succeed as the vehicle had a jamming system installed.
“When an opposition leader is not safe from criminals what will be the state of living of common men,” Jam Madad said, claiming that the incident took place in the presence of law enforcement personnel, who were present just a few yards from the spot, but they did not bother to take action against the criminals.
The opposition leader said that his family members had no armed guards with them as he wanted to follow the government’s announcement of not displaying licensed weapons. “When the respectful citizens try to follow government orders, they become insecure,” he added.
PML-F offers arbitration for Karachi peace
