PM Mulk lauds improved security situation in Karachi

• Says peace necessary to ensure free and fair elections in metropolis

KARACHI: Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk has said that huge efforts, better coordination among the law enforcement agencies and the will to restore normalcy to the Karachi have resulted in drastic improvement in law and order situation of the metropolis.

He said this while chairing a meeting on law and order at Governor House, Karachi on Wednesday.

The PM said that this spirit should continue not only to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections but also to build on the gains of the past and to further improve the security situation.

The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair, Sindh Chief Minister Fazalur Rehman, Karachi Corp Commander Lt Gen Mirza Shahid Baig, Federal Interior Secretary Arshad Mirza, Sindh Chief Secretary Maj (r) Azam Sulaiman Khan, Sindh IG Amjad Javaid Saleemi and other senior officers.

The Sindh chief secretary and IG gave detailed presentations on law and order situation and the arrangements being made for ensuring peaceful elections in the province. The prime minister was also briefed by Sindh Rangers about the ongoing Karachi operation and the successes achieved in major areas including terrorism, target killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.

It was informed that as a result of coordinated efforts by police, rangers and intelligence agencies, law and order situation has witnessed marked improvement with 85 per cent reduction in the crime rate.

PM Mulk was informed that there were no more ‘no-go areas’ in Karachi and normal life had been restored in the megacity. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the gains made so far and appreciated the efforts of police, rangers and intelligence agencies for restoring normalcy in the metropolis.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the martyrs of law enforcement agencies for their ultimate sacrifice for peace and security of the people of Karachi.

The PM observed that extra vigilance was required to ensure that the forthcoming elections are held in a free, fair and peaceful atmosphere. He also directed that political leadership of the province should be engaged to ensure smooth implementation of security protocols that have been formulated for holding peaceful elections.

He also assured that the federal government, as per its mandate, was committed to providing every possible support to the provincial government and the Election Commission for ensuring smooth electoral process in the province.