‘Several milestones achieved’ in Karachi operation

Interior ministry states targeted killings and terrorism cases declined by 90% in four years

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has claimed that several milestones have been achieved since the launch of the targeted operation in Karachi in September 2013.

The interior ministry revealed that cases of targeted killings declined by 91 per cent – from 509 in 2013 to 45 in 2016 – while incidents of terrorism also dropped by 90 per cent – from 50 in 2013 to five in 2016.

Responding to a query of a lawmaker in the National Assembly during the last session about the Karachi operation, the interior ministry stated that cases of kidnapping for ransom also showed a 65 per cent decline – from 113 in 2012 to 40 in 2016. Moreover, cases of extortion came down by 73 per cent – from 533 in 2013 to 146 in 2016.



It separately contained performance of the Pakistan Rangers Sindh and the Sindh police in the Karachi operation.

The Rangers conducted 8,849 intelligence-based operations and arrested 6,982 criminals, 1,493 terrorists, and 975 target killers. They arrested 440 extortionists, 116 kidnappers, and recovered 10,560 weapons and 620,783 ammunition. The Rangers recovered 151 hostages during the mentioned period, the reply stated.

According to the figures provided to the lawmakers in the NA, the Sindh police also achieved several milestones during the ongoing operation in Karachi.



They arrested 1,328 terrorists, 677 extortionists, 2,828 murderers, 145 kidnappers and 103,175 other criminals. During operations conducted by the police, 372 terrorists and 10 extortionists were killed. Moreover, 25 murderers, 28 kidnappers and 1,115 other criminals were killed. The police recovered 23,318 weapons and 598,448 ammunition.

For sustainability of peace in Karachi, specialised units have been set-up such as Counter Terrorism Department, Special Security Unit, Rapid Response Force, Anti-Riot Unit, Anti-Car Lifting Cell and IT cadre for promotion of specialisation and professionalism. Special measures have also been taken under Shuhada Compensation and Recognition Act 2014 for the welfare of the police.

The ministry stated that forensic explosives and DNA laboratories as well as crime record data are being established to improve investigation process. Madadgar Helpline has been upgraded and one-window services to improve police and community cooperation has been established.



New jails in Mirpurkhas, Thatta and Shaheed Benazirabad are being established and 30 new Anti-Terrorism Courts, in addition to the already 19 such courts, are being established.

On the legislative proposals front, some steps under consideration for peace in Karachi include use of modern technology (video conferencing, live link and others) for recording evidences besides allowing use of screen/curtain/two-way mirror for identification parade. Enhancing punishment for street criminals and Witness Anonymity Order (hiding identity, voice modulation, use of pseudonym, others) are also under consideration.

The Sindh police have forwarded proposal to the federal government to set up an integrated national database comprising Computerised National Identity Card, driving licence, vehicle number plate, arms licence and SIM. The police also suggested unification of criminal record at national level with access available to all law enforcement agencies besides developing mechanism to effectively monitor social media including Facebook, Whatsapp, twitter and other such websites.



Establishing forensic labs data of provinces to be interlined with sharing and access facility and regulating manufacturing of arms in Darra Adam Khel are two other proposals of the Sindh police for sustainability of peace in Karachi.