Karachi operation: Sindh CM cites targeted killings as irritants

Seeks strategy for sustainable peace in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has said the operation against terrorists in Karachi has produced commendable results because of coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies but incidents of target killings persist.

“Off and on target killing incidents shed water on our entire efforts,” Qaim said according to an official statement issued by the CM House. “The city needs a comprehensive strategy for sustainable peace,” he said.

CM Qaim expressed these views while talking to Corps Commander Karachi Lt-Gen Naveed Mukhtar who called on him at the CM House on Monday, the statement said.

Lt-Gen Mukhtar said that strategy for sustainable peace in the city would be evolved in the next Apex Committee meeting.

They discussed the assassination of social activist and blogger Khurram Zaki and the general law and order situation, targeted operation, implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) and the decisions taken in the Apex Committee meeting.

The Sindh CM and Corps Commander discussed the progress of the cases being tried in anti-terrorism courts and military courts. Qaim reminded Lt-Gen Mukhtar that the Safoora Goth massacre case has also been sent for trial to military courts and all required formalities have been completed.

The meeting was later joined by Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal and he briefed the meeting on security situation in the city and target killings. Siyal said that investigation into the murder of Zaki was in progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.