Political victimisation in name of accountability is unacceptable: CM

• Orders crackdown against street criminals

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said we are proponents of fighting corruption but would not accept political victimisation in the name of accountability.

He said this while talking to media at Mazar-e-Quaid where he along with his newly appointed eight-member cabinet and two advisors laid floral wreath.

He vowed to strengthen Anti-Corruption Establishment further so that corrupt practices could be controlled.
Murad Ali Shah said that he has appointed a balanced cabinet and all the cabinet members are experienced and well-educated. “I am sure we [cabinet] would be able to serve people of Sindh,” he said.

Talking about financial matters linked with the federation, he maintained that Sindh contributes more than any other province in the divisible pool of resources and it the right of the province that its due share is given to it accordingly.
He said that there are various issues on which federal government has to support the provincial government of Sindh.

He maintained that the most important issuance of the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. “We have already told the federal government in writing that the province of Sindh contributes more than 60 per cent revenue in the divisible pool, therefore Sindh should be given its weight in the NFC Award,” he said, adding that it is yet to be seen whether the federal government gives rights to the smaller provinces or not but we would keep struggling for getting our share.

The chief minister said that in the 2018 election people of Sindh have given more votes and seats to PPP and
Replying to another question of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA who had beaten a citizen on the road, the chief minister said it was unfortunate and what he did was unacceptable, but we are hoping for constructive politics and attitudes.

He said that the previous federal government made tall claims for giving a special package to Karachi but they did nothing. The government had announced Rs25 billion package for Karachi but it proved to be a lip service, he complained.

He said that we would welcome if the federal government PTI in case it gives special attention to the uplift of the city.

CRACKDOWN AGAINST STREET CRIMINALS ORDERED:

The CM directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch a crackdown against street criminals and various mafias operating in the province.

He passed the orders at the very first meeting after assuming office at CM House.

He said that in his speech on the floor of the house, he had stated that maintenance of law and order would be his top priority.

“The street crime is undoing all the government efforts that have been taken to restore the law and order in the city; therefore,” he said.

The IGP told the chief minister that a targeted operation was in progress which is expected to produce good results. The chief minister said that the targeted operation must be made more strict and focused.  He directed him to make SHOs responsible for controlling street crimes; otherwise, take strict action against them.

IGP briefing the chief minister on law & order said that there are six Police Ranges in the Sindh with a strength of 123,983 policemen.

He added that there were 30 police districts and 623 police stations all over Sindh. The chief minister said that if the population of the province was divided with the total strength of the police, there would be a ratio of one policeman for 410 people.

The chief minister directed IGP to ensure proper maintenance of law and order during Eid days. “After Eid, a comprehensive plan would be worked out to make this city free of street crimes and a similar policy would be launched in other districts of the province where law and order situation is fragile,” he said.