Opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly and leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Ali Khursheedi has stated that the rising street crime in Karachi is not just a political issue but a humanitarian crisis, which has claimed the lives of more than 60 citizens so far.
In a statement issued after a meeting with the Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar and IG Ghualm Nabi Memon, he said they discussed in detail the issue of posting in Karachi the police officers and officials transferred from Shikarpur for having links with the dacoits of kacha area.
It has been reported that 79 policemen who were the facilitators of Kacha's dacoits have been transferred to Karachi, Khursheedi said adding, "the IG has assured of withdrawing the order."
Khursheedi said that during the meeting with the home minister and the IG, the MQM-P delegation was assured of appointing and posting people of Karachi when there is a vacancy in the city, instead of transferring officers or personnel from other districts of Sindh.
The MQM-P team pointed out that many SHOs brought from interior Sindh take six months to understand the jurisdiction of their precinct.
He further said that MQM is a responsible party. Three press conferences have been held on the rising street crime. He also raised his voice in the Sindh Assembly.
During the extensive meeting at the police headquarters, spanning over two hours, the MQM-P team delivered a resolute message, asserting that the patience of Karachi's residents had reached its limit, warning of potential public mobilisation to encircle police stations if grievances remained unaddressed.
He said that they will support the government at all levels to prevent street crime. They are here for the support they want from them.
Lanjar claims crime rate falling
Meanwhile, a statement issued from the office of the Home Minister stated that Lanjar asked the MQM-P delegation to work together to make citizens safe
The meeting held under the chairmanship of Home Minister Lanjar regarding the law and order situation in province was attended by a 11-member delegation of MQM-P led by Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab and provincial ministers Jam Khan Shoro and Dost Ali Rahmon were also present in the meeting. Home Minister Lanjar and IG Memon welcomed the MQM delegation.
IG briefing the meeting on the law and order situation and police actions said 67 police encounters have taken place this year in which 16 criminals were liquidated.
"Madadgar 15 Centres are being upgraded to the modern standards, and 168 vehicles and 120 motorcycles are being provided to Madadgar 15," he said.
IG Memon said that 386 motorcycles of the Shaheen Force are also patrolling the streets under the supervision of the relevant SSPs. He added that 4000 devices have been recommended for the e-tagging of habitual criminals, and draft rules and SOPs have been prepared.
The meeting was informed that the Command and Control Center at the CPO Office has been upgraded, and 2,000 cameras have been installed, with an additional 325 new cameras to be installed. Similarly, 500 old cameras are being upgraded.
IG Sindh said that under the Sindh Smart Surveillance System, modern and advanced technology face recognition cameras are being installed at 40 toll plazas in Sindh, and 28 toll plazas have been completed so far.
Lanjar said it is essential to work on the existing law for the protection of witnesses, as strong evidence is necessary for a solid case.
He directed that measures be taken for the protection of witnesses so that they can confidently testify in court without fear.
Home minister appealed to the MQM delegation to work together for the betterment of law & order and to support the police in their efforts against street criminals.
Later, Lanjar, provincial ministers, and others visited the CPO Command and Control Centre and reviewed the monitoring situation and appreciated the existing systems with certain suggestions on its improvement.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2024.
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