Justice Ejaz Chaudhry of the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday remarked that those who enjoyed power for 20 years were now writing letters to the court for restoring peace in Karachi.
His comments came as a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry took up the Karachi law and order case for hearing on Tuesday.
At the inception of hearing, Shah Khawar advocate appeared in court on behalf of government of Sindh and presented a report. It was said in the report that no-go areas were partly operating in the jurisdiction of seven police stations in Karachi.
The CJP remarked, “You are admitting that no go areas have been set up in areas under seven police stations. The court be informed about the names of these police stations.”
Shah Khawar presented the list of the said police stations. Also, the Rangers per court orders presented details about 71 accused and joint investigation reports.
The court was told that a political party was patronising criminals in Lyari.
The court expressed dissatisfaction over the report, saying the court’s orders had not been implemented. “Five persons were killed a day before. Everyone knows what kind of barricades the police put up.”
A letter addressed by MQM Deputy Convener Nasreen Jalil to the SC was also read out.
The letter said the Taliban were going to take hold of Karachi and were involved in extortion of money and kidnapping for ransom cases.
Life threats were being received by political leaders, therefore, the court should take notice.
The court remarked what did the democratic government do for Karachi during the last five years.
“Members of the assembly who relished power for 20 years are now writing to the court. But they did nothing on their own. The caretaker set up has also been installed with their consultation,” the bench said.
Justice Ejaz expressed wonder on the letter written by Nasrin and observed, “They have remained allies of the government, why have they not done anything?”
Shah Khawar read out an affidavit given by the SHO over performance of Manghopir police. The SHO stated that ethnic riots had taken place in Sultan Abad in the past but such a situation was not existing there anymore.
“No-go areas in Mir Muhammad Goth will be cleared and peace will be restored in the affected areas,” the report added.
The CJP said, “You had filed identical statements of all SHOs during the last hearing. What was written therein?”
Khawar said the court had laid down clear definition and affidavits were filed in consonance with this definition.
The CJP said “We had told about the details of these areas in clear orders given by us in 2011.” To this, Khawar said action was being taken per court orders.
“It means we are dictating. Does the IGP not understand his powers?” the CJP said, adding, “What is the need of officers in police who do not speak the truth and tell lies. The IGP and chief secretary should give affidavits that no-go areas did not exist.”
The court ordered that an old report by the Rangers DG be read out wherein it was said that 35 operations and 136 targeted operations were conducted.
The CJP said it meant the police report in respect of seven police stations was incorrect.
“Perhaps you have not understood English well. We had said report be given to us per our orders and protection be provided to the life and property of the people. Peace be restored in Lyari. We are not concerned with what you do. No-go areas should be got eliminated from every locality. We don’t want anything more. If there is any mistake in English, we can correct it. Directives were given to you in writing. For how long we can leave the people at your mercy.”
The CJP added, “Former chief secretary has also been directed to present a certificate. We have been giving chances for the last two years. Where is the Rangers DG? Are the courts a laughing stock? Whosoever is summoned does not come. A job ordered is not done. A joint certificate duly signed by the chief secretary, IGP and Rangers DG be presented in the court. People are dying and the court’s orders are laughed at.”
The court was told by the Sindh Police that a meeting was convened to review the steps for eliminating no-go areas.
The CJP remarked, “If your stance is accepted, then everyone is correct but us. Four people have been killed. Is it matter of delight?”
Police said the Rangers were not involved as people thought some military operation was being conducted.
The CJP said, “You are enjoying peace and only those whose relatives are dying are worried. No one is ready to take responsibility in this respect.”
The Sindh Police said children and women came on to roads during search operations in Lyari. “What should we do with them?”
“Secure children and women first and then take action against criminals. We don’t say clamp a curfew. We only want action against criminals. If someone does not comply with the orders of court, we cannot withhold process of restoration of peace.”
Justice Gulzar said why were women and children being used as shields. “You should conduct a study in this respect.”
The CJP asked, “How many people have been arrested and challans presented after April 4?”
Shah Khawar said arrests had been made and details had been filed in the court.
The CJP said, “We have plenty of complaints that police keeps people in private torture cells. How many FIRs have been lodged and who will lodge them? Who will become complainants?”
The Sindh Police said their job was to arrest people.
“You not only have to arrest people, you have to do more than that. Register the cases,” the CJP said.
“The killer of 32 people has been involved in an ordinary case. Someone who has killed 115 persons has been released. No-go areas have not been eliminated. People are dying and police is relying on reports.”
The counsel for Rangers said the situation was improving due to operations by Rangers. “Earlier, 20 people were being killed daily in Karachi, but that is not happening now.”
The court ordered the Sindh IGP and Rangers DG to arrest 71 accused, file their challans and initiate action against them within seven days.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until today (Wednesday).
