Karachi law, order has improved: PM Abbasi

PM Abbasi calls for better security coordination between agencies at federal, provincial levels

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday observed that the overall law and order situation in the provincial metropolis has improved significantly due to the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies.

“There is no room for complacency,” the prime minister said while chairing a meeting on the law and order situation at the Governor House Karachi.

The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in the province with special focus on peace and security in Karachi.

“The law and order is a high priority agenda for the government because without peace and stability economic potential of the country cannot be harnessed,” the prime minister said.



The prime minister said being the financial capital of the country, the federal government will continue to offer full support to the provincial government for law and order maintenance.

Abbasi reiterated that there should be better coordination among the agencies at the federal and provincial levels to maintain peace and security across the country.

Khaqan Abbasi directed for cohesion and integration of database at the national level in the domain of law enforcement and technical support among all stakeholders.

The prime minister was also briefed on recent extrajudicial killings in the metropolis. He observed that such incidents were deplorable and should not have happened.

The prime minister appreciated prompt investigation into the incidents and directed the authorities concerned that the culprits should be brought to justice without any delay.

He stressed the need for effective safeguards for the protection of innocent citizens against criminal abuse of authority.

Abbasi said that the development package announced by the federal government for Karachi would yield positive results in the short as well as long term.

The prime minister appreciated the role of Rangers and police in peaceful and successful holding of international events in Karachi. He expressed with satisfaction that the investors’ confidence for investment in Karachi has been restored.

“The development process will continue with the fullest support of the federal government and will go a long way in terms of consolidating the gains through security operation,” the prime minister stated.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Governor Mohammad Zubair, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Musadik Malik, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Sial, Karachi Corps Commander Lt-Gen Shahid Baig Mirza and other senior civil and military officials.

Meanwhile, the prime minister inaugurated the north-bound carriageway of the much-awaited Lyari Expressway Project in Karachi on Sunday.



The entire expressway became operational immediately following its formal inauguration.
The total length of the project -- including ramps is 38km with the construction cost of Rs10 billion. It includes four interchanges at Sorab Goth, Manghopir, Sir Shah Suleman and Maripur.

Besides, 20 major bridges are also part of the project. The project carries immense importance in reducing the ever growing traffic volume inside the city. The traffic coming from port and Super Highway (now M9) will use the expressway to reach their destinations without going into the city. It will also reduce the flood damages to the areas along the river and will add to the environmental protection of the entire area.

According to the prime minister, the motorists will be relieved and it would help reduce the burden of traffic in Karachi.

“I had been listening that this project would complete for 15 years but today the milestone has finally been achieved,” he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

The prime minister said 1,700 kilometers of the six-lane motorways are in its final stage of completion in the entire country.

Their completion would result in the development of the country. “I was asked by the leaders of developed countries that how do you manage to complete motorways in a short span of time? I replied that it’s the result of team work and collective work.”

The federal government has given Rs25 billion for the development of Karachi and the Sindh governor is looking after it. “We would further establish hospitals and road in Karachi I emphasize that everyone in Karachi to put their efforts for the development of Karachi.”

“We need to set aside all political conflicts for the development of Karachi, as the biggest city is the hub of the country’s economy. “Karachi’s development would lead to the development of Pakistan,” he stated.

Abbasi said that democracy is progressing and the general elections will be held in July. He said that policies and development must be above political affiliation. He said that CPEC would bring prosperity not in Pakistan but in the entire region.