Nawaz Sharif hints at launching campaign for Karachi peace

Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, said on Wednesday that a concerted and sustained campaign will be launched for restoration of law and order in Karachi.

He was addressing the special meeting of federal cabinet in Karachi to suggest measures for peace in the city.

The cabinet is discussing various proposals to improve law and order in Karachi.

He said Rangers should be given the responsibility to carry out the operation in the city as police is incapable of dealing with the criminal elements and terrorists.  He termed the demand for army operation in the city as too early.

The meeting also is being attended by the Provincial Governor Dr. Ishratul Ibad and chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Nawaz Sharif earlier said that anti-terrorism laws will be amended to effectively deal with the scourge of terrorism.

Legal experts say the current anti-terror laws have some lacunae and in suspects are acquitted in view of weak cases. They are suggesting amendments to make the laws more effective to deal with terrorism.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hinted amendment in the laws during his second day of visit to the violence-hit port city of Karachi where he is seeking support of political parties and business community for a targeted operation against the miscreants.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says that nearly 1800 people were killed in targeted attacks in Karachi in the first six months this year.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told reporters in Karachi that political parties have supported suggestion to launch a “targeted campaign” against the miscreants to be led by paramilitary force. He ruled out military operation in the city.

“My government is alive to the situation in the city and all possible steps will be taken for maintenance of law and order,” he said.

He said talks have been held with all the stakeholders including political parties‚ business community and high ranking officials of security and intelligence agencies to reach the right decision for bringing peace in Karachi.

The Prime Minister presided over a high-level meeting of senior security officials and discussed administrative flaws in the city and a possible mechanism for starting targeted operations.  He directed the intelligence agencies to maintain strong coordination with the police.

He said all the proposals will carefully be examined to check the situation in the economic hub of the country.

 “I cannot remain oblivious to the Karachi’s situation and no go areas will be eliminated at all costs,” the Prime Minister said, adding operation against criminal elements will be ensured and directions of the Supreme Court regarding Karachi will be implemented in letter and spirit.

There is no let up in violence in Karachi and unidentified gunmen shot dead a Pakistan Navy officer in the city.  A paramilitary soldier was also killed in exchange of firing with a gang of criminals, police said.

He said federal government desires to take Pakistan People’s Party [PPP], and Muttahida Qaumi Movement [MQM] on board with regard to the operation in Karachi.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Sep 4 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.