COAS calls for holding public officeholders accountable

Gen Qamar lauds efforts of Karachi Corps, Sindh Rangers in coordinating the multi-agency efforts

KARACHI: While directing all stakeholders in the security and law and order machinery of Sindh to further improve their synergy, reaction capability and decision making process, the army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has called for holding public officeholders accountable.

The army chief was addressing participants at a special meeting of the Sindh’s Apex Committee, held on Tuesday in the backdrop of the June 14 escape of two high-profile terrorists from Karachi’s Central Jail.

The meeting that took place at Headquarters Karachi Corps was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Home Minister Sohail Siyal and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar.

Sindh Apex Committee Mtg held. "Stable law and order in the country is only possible with effective writ of the state through.... (1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/wWY8exyQKP

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 4, 2017

.....implementation of state laws, its willing abidance by the public and across the board speedy dispensation of justice. (2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/bw4wiUku8t

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 4, 2017

Commander Karachi Corps Lt Gen Shahid Baig Mirza, Sindh Rangers Director-General Major Gen Muhammad Saeed, Sindh Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, Sindh Inspector General Police AD Khawaja and other civil and military officials also attended the moot.

Appreciating recent improvements in capability and capacity of Sindh police, the army chief suggested improvements in their internal functioning to include induction on merit, availability of young trained leadership and strengthening of command.

"Stable law and order in the country is only possible with effective writ of the state through implementation of state laws, its willing abidance by the public and across the board speedy dispensation of justice.



“Despite considerable headway, we have a long way to go on these counts. [The] army shall continue to render its full support to all state institutions in this regard," Gen Qamar was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

According to the ISPR, the forum was briefed about law and order situation of Karachi and internal security matters of the province by concerned stakeholders.

Progress on implementation on the National Action Plan (NAP) was reviewed and escape of high profile terrorists from Karachi Central Jail with suggested corrective measures were also discussed.

The meeting expressed satisfaction over improvement of law and order situation particularly in Karachi but impressed upon need for persistent efforts to achieve durable peace and stability in the province.



“Areas requiring more focus to retain the peace dividends were identified for further progress to include police reforms, better coordination between federal and provincial authorities on the NAP, expeditious completion of safe city project and the need for speedy prosecution beside others,” it said.

The forum reiterated the need for durable peace being quintessential for safety and security of the people and economic activities especially in the metropolis.

General Qamar lauded efforts of Karachi Corps and Sindh Rangers in coordinating the multi-agency efforts and performance of other law enforcing agencies including police.

He directed all stakeholders to further improve synergy, reaction capability of LEAs, decision making process and to hold the public officeholders accountable.