Almost every part of Karachi is affected by terrorism and I am upset because of the ongoing bloodshed across the city,” said Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan on Monday. Wasan said that he knows how peace could be restored in the metropolitan, and sought the cooperation of the media, civil society and political parties in this regard.
Talking to the media before attending a meeting regarding the law and order situation of the metropolis, he said that in the 20 days that he has been the home minister, the issues of Kati Pahari, Malir, Lyari, Khokhrapar, the Katchhi community and Karachi Electric Supply Company have been resolved, but the required measures for improving the law and order situation in the city are yet to be taken.
“Only one locality used to be affected with terrorism in the past, and the situation was brought under control after government took action. However, a chain of violence spreads from one area to another these days, and I am upset because of this,” he added.
He said that it would be a challenge for the police and Rangers personnel to maintain law and order and peace in the metropolitan during Ramazan.
“But Karachi is an international city, and only action cannot work to bring peace in the metropolis; dialogue is also needed for this purpose,” he added.
He also said that the Sindh government is making the police department effective, and that after the orders of President Asif Ali Zardari, the provincial government has released Rs 5 billion for the Sindh Police. Bullet proof jackets, latest equipment and vehicles, and 39 armoured personnel carriers would also be given to the Sindh Police, 15 of which would be handed over to them this month, he added.
Responding to a question, the home minister said that strict action would be taken against anti-social elements during Ramazan for ensuring peace in the city. He said that it would be premature to tell which political parties the arrested target killers are affiliated with.
Wasan said that 10,000 police personnel would also be appointed; 5,000 from Karachi division and the rest from the other three divisions of the province.
In response to a question about the Surjani Town killings, he said that people from every linguistic group are being targeted in that locality.
“We have asked the Sindh Revenue Department to disclose the facts regarding the owner of the land,” he added.
He said that the government has not received any threats regarding terrorism during Ramazan.
NINE ZERO: Wasan also visited the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters Nine Zero and held a meeting with the members of the MQM’s Coordination Committee.
Following the meeting, Wasan told the media that restoring law and order in the metropolitan is his prime responsibility.
He said, “Peace can be restored with the cooperation of friends. A strategy to restore law and order in the city has been formulated. Following that strategy, I am visiting everyone for the purpose of peace.”
He added, “Strong action will be taken against those responsible for terrorism. Even if the culprits belong to the MQM, Pakistan People’s Party or Awami National Party, they will not be forgiven. To restore peace in the city, every sacrifice will be made.”
