A high-level meeting to evaluate security situation in the metropolis chaired by Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah here on Sunday decided to take indiscriminate action against criminal elements in the city.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Home Minister Manzoor Wassain, DG Rangers, IG Sindh and other officials.
The meeting evaluated target killings and tension going on between different political parties in the city.
Talking to media after the meeting, the interior minister said all the political parties had been given 24 hours to remove their party flags from houses and buildings. He said a decision had been taken to take action against criminal elements in political parties, and FC, Rangers and police would do the same without any discrimination.
He said investigations were going on to determine the involvement of third force in Karachi disturbances. He made it known to every one that action would be taken against those involved in forcible closure of markets and shops.
The interior minister said that Rangers and police patrolling had been increased in all sensitive areas of the city and they had been given full powers to deal with miscreants. He said SHOs would be responsible for law and order situation in their respective areas. He said the city had been divided into different zones and law enforcement agencies would patrol these zones.
Rehman Malik said anti-Pakistan forces were out to pit different communities against each other. He regretted raids at Bacha Khan Markaz and two sectors of MQM. He said he would spend at least one day in a week in Karachi to monitor the situation. He said he had told the people four weeks back that there could be incidents of terrorism in Karachi.
He said that peace force of youth would be formed in affected areas which would work with police for the restoration of peace. He said he would also meet traders in the city.
The interior minister also visited some of the worst affected areas including Bokhari Colony, Katti Paharai and Qasba colony.
Meanwhile, police and Rangers conducted raids in Banaras, Qasba Colony, Bukhari Colony and Orangi Town areas of the city and arrested at least two dozen suspects.