Terrorists plotting attacks use internet cafes: IG

Writes to home secretary, says suspects communicate through cafes to avoid police action

KARACHI: Sindh IG Allah Dino Khawaja has disclosed that terrorists involved in plotting attacks use internet cafes for their nefarious designs.

In a letter addressed to the home secretary, the IG suggested the ministry should make sure that each internet cafe in the city must maintain a record of internet users. "Findings of a few inquiries into high-profile cases have revealed that suspects communicate with each other through cafes as their strategy to avert police action."

The government had earlier had given a one-month deadline to the owners of all the internet cafes in the province to do away with closed cabins in their premises and take steps against obscenity, warning that their businesses will otherwise be sealed.

The decision was made on the complaints from citizens against 'obscenity' and other immoral activities in the internet cafes but all in vain.  "These letters or notices taken by authorities concerned are merely an eyewash and political gimmick," said opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly, Khawaja Izharul Hassan. "Nothing will happen until or unless the government proves its pragmatic approach in implementing what it says."

Though home secretary Shakeel Mangnejo was not available for comments, a senior official in the home department confirmed receiving the letter. "We have taken it seriously and will work on it," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2017.