In its ongoing targeted operation in this crime-infested metropolis, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh since last night claimed to have arrested more than 50 “hardened” criminals including target killers associated with rival political groups from different city neighbourhoods.
Also, the law enforcers claimed to have recovered from the possession of the accused a huge quantity of lethal weapons like LMG made of India.
According to a Rangers spokesman, the paramilitary forces conducted targeted raids in P&T Colony, Bukhshan Goth, Patel Para, Gul Plaza, Haryana Colony, Bohra Pir, Gabol Park, Afshani Gali, Model Colony, Jamali Goth, Younas Goth, French Beach, Hawks Bay, Landhi Mill Area, Sector 5-C New Karachi, Frontier Colony and Sector 4 Baldia town areas last night.
Also, the Rangers carried out snap checking in areas like Gul Plaza, Khadda Market- DHA, Baloch Colony and Azizabad.
“During the above-mentioned actions 37 hardened criminals including Lyari Gang War elements and criminals affiliated with political groups, involved in heinous crimes have been arrested,” said the spokesman.
During raids a huge catche of weapons, including India-made LMG, SMGs and rifles, was also recovered, he said.
Further, this morning the Rangers raided the Qauidabad area and arrested a target killer affiliated with a political group.
“On his pointation further raids were carried out in Landhi No 5,” said the Rangers spokesman.
During the morning raids the Rangers claimed to have arrested 14 “criminals” affilaited with another rival political group.
Those arrested include two “notorious target killers” namely Shamim alias Goli and Sajid Hussain, the spokesman said.
While, he added, a large quantity of weapons including LMG (Indian make), SMGs and rifles have also been recovered.
Also, the Rangers recovered CCTV cameras installed by the criminals to monitor LEAs. Backed by the police and intelligence agencies, Rangers has been actively cracking down against what Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali had called it target killers, extortionists, kidnappers for ransom and other criminal elements having destroyed the peace in this financial hub of the country.
The Rangers, whereas, claims to have arrested hundreds of criminals, including those having political affiliations, most of the target killers are reported to have fled the city.
Every now and then the criminals involved in politically-motivated violence in this megalopolis are being arrested from other provinces of the country, prominently Punjab and Balochistan.
Some of the criminals are said to have run away to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to avoid an arrest at the hands of Rangers whose operation so far has appeared indiscriminate.
While hundreds have been arrested, some critics apprehend they would be set free “for lack of evidence” as has been the case with the country’s courts.
“Mere arrest would not work, these hardened criminals must not come out of the prison without being duly punished,” said a government’s detractor requesting anonymity.
Some quarters, however, are upbeat that the PML-N-led government would succeed in restoring peace in the city of lights for no other reason but for its own business interests.
The “pro-business” nature of Sharif regime, the premier himself being an industrialist, makes many believe that the federal government would not remain slapdash to politically-motivated but economy-crippling violence in Karachi.
There is also a perception that since the PML-N has no major political stakes in Sindh, it was well-placed to act neutrally.
“Violence in the city is predominantly political in nature. And the past ruling parties in Sindh have been a party to it. This never allowed the rulers to deal with the menace administratively,” said a political analyst.
The heavily-mandated Sharif government, he said, was well placed to root out criminal gangs with political backing in the metropolis.
“Many of the ruling political parties are perceived to have been having armed gangs. The PPP, MQM, ANP, Sunni Tehreek and you name it,” said the analyst, adding that “The Nawaz-League however is purely a political party and is therefore able to remain apolitical while dealing with Karachi violence.”
The parties represented in Sindh, however, have been blaming the law enforcers to discriminate against them on the basis of their political association.
The MQM has been more vocal in blasting the security personnel for singling out its political strongholds while conducting targeted operation.
While the operation is going on in a full swing, bloodbath in the city remains unabated with Monday witnessing 13 people falling prey to targeted attacks on politico-sectarian lines in different neighbourhoods.