Sharif has Nawaz’s back in reclaiming Karachi

• PM approves formation of committee to supervise operation against Karachi criminals
• Gen Sharif assures army’s cooperation with civilian leadership in establishing State’s writ
• Suggests depoliticising police department, stopping politically motivated transfers and postings of officers

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the formation of a committee to monitor the targeted operation in Karachi while Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has also assured the military’s full cooperation with the civilian government for restoring peace in the country.

The premier approved the committee’s establishment at the Governor’s House Wednesday while chairing a high-level meeting of Pakistan’s top military and civilian leadership to review the law and order situation in Karachi.

The committee will comprise Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Rangers DG Maj Gen Rizwan Akhtar and Additional IG Shahid Hayat along with members of political parties and intelligence agencies.

This was the first time that the army chief attended such a high-level meeting with the civilian leadership on the issue of unrest in Karachi.

DG Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Zaheerul Islam and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan were also present in the meeting while former president and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) representatives and ANP leader Shahi Syed also joined the meeting on the premier’s invitation.

The meeting was briefed by General Sharif, the heads of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, Karachi Corps Commander, Rangers DG and the Sindh Police inspector general.

The city’s deteriorating security situation and the ongoing targeted operation were discussed in the meeting and a briefing was given about the targeted killings that have been taking place in Karachi. Sources said the meeting reviewed how many criminals were arrested, how many of them were sentenced by courts, and how many no-go areas were eliminated from the city.

“They are likely to give a new direction to this operation. We are expecting some key decisions which may bring relief for the citizens,” said one source.

The agencies will share their information about members of banned outfit members and high-profile terrorists arrested by the law-enforcing agencies, sources added.

NAWAZ CAN’T SEE KARACHI IN DARKNESS:

Addressing the meeting, the premier said that the military and political leadership would jointly supervise the targeted operation in Karachi and no political pressure would be tolerated in this regard.

“Restoration of peace in Karachi is the first priority of the government. We do not want to see Karachi in darkness, nor do we want to see shutters down in the city. The development of Karachi affects the country as a whole,” the premier said.

The prime minister further said that the city was the economic hub of the country and restoring peace in the city was necessary for the country’s development. He called for improved intelligence sharing for taking action against terrorists and criminal elements.

“We want cooperation of all stakeholders in Karachi and I see no one who will not want to improve the law and order situation of Karachi, therefore, a joint solution is the only option,” he added.

Moreover, the prime minister asked why illegal SIMs were not being blocked while on the issue of criminals who have fled the country, he asked why red warrants had not been issued.

The premier also emphasised upon the capacity building of Sindh Police and appreciated acquisition of services of retired army personnel for maintaining law and order in Karachi. He reiterated that the present government implemented Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) with a view to deal with the menace of terrorism and bring criminals to justice.

NISAR HAS HIS SLEEVES ROLLED:

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the meeting that state-of-the art equipment was being provided to law enforcement agencies and about 700,000 illegal mobile SIMs had been cancelled. He also assured that steps will be taken to implement PPO.

The minister elaborated, “Once 3G mobile technology is in place, we will further carry out crackdown against illegal SIMs.”

Moreover, Karachi chief capital police officer briefed the participants of the meeting that closure of illegal SIMs will reduce crime by 50 per cent and also assured that police was acting against criminals without discrimination and that there was no political pressure on the police.

ARMY CHIEF VOWS FULL COOPERATION:

Speaking on the occasion, General Sharif said that the army was standing by the government and would provide 100 per cent assistance sought by the federal and provincial governments. He said the army would also give its sincere recommendations to sort out problems.

Gen Sharif said that he knew that the government was committed in arming the police and to make it stronger and capable. He said he also knew that the political leadership could depoliticise the Police Department and could stop transfers on political grounds.

By approving the oversight committee, the prime minister has addressed the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)’s longstanding demand of a monitoring committee. The MQM had alleged that the targeted operation by law enforcement agencies was unfairly targeting them.

Speaking to the media after the meeting with the premier, MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said that the party was fully supportive of the ongoing operation in Karachi.

Moreover, sources quoted PPP Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari as saying that the police should work on the operation with the help of the Rangers before the army is called in.

Furthermore, the prime minister also summoned a meeting of the federal cabinet for today (Thursday). The meeting would discuss at length the law and order situation besides progress in talks with Taliban.

The premier would also brief the cabinet on his visit to Iran while Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will also brief the cabinet members on the salient features of the upcoming budget.