CM briefs Karachi Corps Commander on shifting of ATCs

Law enforcers and intelligence agencies working together to probe Sehwan blast, says CM

KARACHI: The anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) are being shifted to Central Jail, Karachi, said Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah during a meeting with Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Shahid Baig Mirza at CM House Friday afternoon.

The decision to shift the ATCs was taken in the last apex committee meeting, after which the CM has issued orders to the chief secretary.

The CM remarked that with the shifting of ATCs, a force of 1,500 policemen deployed for taking the under-trial suspects from Central Jail to Clifton for hearing will be spared. Also, he added, their cases will be heard within the jail premises.

During the meeting, the CM and Corps Commander discussed the overall law and order situation in the province in light of the current wave of terrorism in the country. Shah spoke about the progress made so far in the investigation of the Sehwan bombing, which claimed 92 lives at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. "The police, Rangers and [intelligence] agencies are jointly working to [solve] this case,” said Shah. “I am sure this would be solved shortly.”



The targeted operation and the operation against the drug mafia were also discussed and reviewed. They also shared the details of the operation, which has been intensified against terrorists and their accomplices in the city and other areas of the province.

The chief minister thanked the Corps Commander for his support in the wake of the Sehwan blast. "I am also thankful to the armed forces, Pakistan Navy and Air Force for their prompt support and cooperation," he added.

The two decided to further intensify the crackdown against terrorists and their facilitators and the drug mafia who are trying to disrupt law and order in the province.

The chief minister said he was quite happy that everyone, including civil society, religious scholars and the common man, has condemned the Sehwan blast and come out on the roads against terrorists. "This unity was badly needed and it will certainly produce results against militants," he said.