The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered computerization of culprits record in Sindh within three months on modern lines besides directing Sindh chief secretary to provide funds for the project.
A five-member bench of the SC issued these orders during the course of hearing of Karachi unrest case here on Monday. The bench comprised of Justice Athar Saeed, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Tariq Khilji, Justice Amir Muslin Hani and Justice Anwar Zahir Jamali.
The court while expressing dissatisfaction over the Rangers report on the accused persons arrested during the last 22 days said that there was also ambiguity in the report presented on the previous hearing. The report submitted by Rangers said 64 culprits were arrested during 55 raids conducted within the last 22 days.
Justice Hani directed that DG Rangers should appear in the court on Wednesday and inform them about every accused who was arrested and the police officer to whom he was handed over. He further observed if the Rangers continue to keep the accused persons in its custody and hands them over to police after two months, then no accused will get punishment.
Giving remarks on the Rangers report, Justice Hani said “your report is not satisfactory and your previous report was also ambiguous. Detailed report should be presented and DG Rangers should come to court too”.
Prosecutor General Shahadat Awan presented the report during hearing on the accused persons who were released on parole. It was revealed in the report that a total number of the culprits set free on parole stands at 70 while the cases for 177 have been registered.
Additional secretary Waseem Ahmad presented a new policy with reference to issue of new licenses. It is worth mentioning here that the Government of Sindh has worked out a draft of arms licenses policy 2012. In line with this policy, issuance of licenses to persons below 25 years of age has been banned. Meanwhile, powers for issue of licenses for normal bore arms will rest with commissioner while prohibited bore arms licenses will only be issued by the home ministry in the province. Verification from local police has been made mandatory for issuance of licenses.
In addition, Justice Hani while reprimanding senior revenue officer with reference to illegal occupation of state land said the revenue record was burnt after Benazir Bhutto martyrdom and questioned why it was not constructed yet. 80 percent entries regarding state land are bogus, he added. Record has been manipulated by affixing dots after 4, he further observed. Senior Officer Revenue while admitting this manipulation said Karachi and Jamshoro record about illegal occupation of state land was the worst in terms of clarity. Justice Hani directed revenue officer to present record of corrupt officers against whom action has been taken.
Giving warning Justice Hani said if no action was taken by the revenue department then we will be forced to refer the case to National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Later, the court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.
