Sindh to step up efforts against cop killers with joint operations by Rangers, police

Preparations for Youm-e-Ali finalised, 16,000 security officials to be deployed at key locations, pillion riding ban.

KARACHI: With as many as 91 police officers killed in Karachi so far in the calendar year, the Sindh government has decided to conduct joint raids by Rangers and Police in ”ten” sensitive areas identified as "vulnerable" for police killings. Preparations for Youm-e-Ali were also finalised in the meeting.

The decision was taken in a meeting on law and order at the Chief Minister House in Karachi late on Thursday.

In addition to the joint operation, officials of law enforcement agencies have been asked to take action against the illegal madras, especially those being constructed along the highway.

The meeting was co-chaired by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Sindh Dr Eshratul Ebad Khan and attended by Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani and DG Rangers Rizwan Akhtar.

“Home secretary has been asked to collect the data of madrasas and submit the report as soon as possible,” the spokesperson for CM House said adding that orders were also given to officials to enhance security at all important installations to avoid another scenario like June’s airport attack.

Chief Secretary Sindh Sajjad Saleem Hotiyana, Home Secretary Dr Niaz Abbasi, IG Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali, Additional IG Karachi Ghulam Qadir Thebo, Advocate General Sindh Fatah Malik, Prosecuter General Sher Muhammad Shaikh, Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Siddique  all DIG’s of Karachi and officers of LEAs were among other the attendees.

The meeting also decided to increase the strength of Sindh Police and provide effective training to the newly recruited police personals from Army instructors as the chief minister reiterated the plan to recruit 10,000 policemen under the recruitment plan 2014 and to double that by 2015.

“We have sought federal government’s help for providing logistical support and Rs10 billion as financial support as it has already committed to fight with the terrorists,” Shaha said.

Corps Commander Karachi and DG Rangers assured the Sindh government of full support for operational and training facilities to the Sindh police.

Youm-e-Ali security plan

A security plan for Youm-e-Ali was discussed. It was decided to deploy around 16,000 police personnel at key locations to maintain law and order.

Provincial Home Secretary Dr Niaz Abbasi while briefing the meeting said that a comprehensive contingency plan has been put in the place to ensure the fool proof security during the Youm-e-Ali.  He said that a ban has also been imposed on pillion riding during the Youm-e-Ali.

“We have issued directives our officials and police to start scrutiny of the areas near important installations; security has been enhanced there including the funnel areas of airport.”

Dr Abbasi added that they have also approached NADRA for assistance in identification of family and facial identification of criminals.