Pandemonium in city council

Opposition and govt members trade barbs over street crime crisis

KARACHI:

A session of the city council became extremely disorderly and riotous when members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) started discussing a resolution against the increasing street crime and murders by armed robbers in the city.

Reportedly, pandemonium erupted in the house when JI members commented that the Sindh government cannot control the rising crime in Karachi nor the dacoits in kutcha area.

The party presented a resolution to express solidarity with the families of citizens killed by street criminals in Karachi.

Speaking at the session chaired by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, opposition leader Advocate Syed Saifuddin highlighted the severity of street crime in the city.

He stated that common people are being killed and street criminals are snatching citizens' mobile phones, with more than 90,000 incidents reported last year, adding that in the current year, 73 people have lost their lives.

Saifuddin noted that half of the police force in the city is assigned to protocol duties, with over 130 policemen serving retired judges. He also mentioned that the Rangers claim they are not given sufficient powers.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) council hall turned chaotic, with members of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) clashing.

PPP members shouted slogans against Jamaat-e-Islami, and the mayor struggled to maintain order.

Mayor Wahab asserted his role as the city's spokesperson, stating that he is not causing mischief but merely presenting facts.

He lamented the disorderly conduct of the session, noting that five resolutions were presented. One resolution expressed deep grief over the death of Chairman UC 7 Liaquatabad, Shahabuddin, acknowledging his dedication to his community and faith.

Another resolution conveyed heartfelt condolences over the martyrdom of seven soldiers, including a captain of the Pakistan Army, who died when their vehicle hit an explosive mine in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The session also condemned the street crimes that resulted in the deaths of Irtaqa Moin, Abdul Basit, and Muhammad Fayaz.

Further resolutions expressed sorrow over the deaths of the brother of City Council Member Yasmin Butt and the brother of UC 2 Mominabad Chairman Mumtaz Tanuli.

Wahab noted that according to council traditions, when a member dies, the session is adjourned. He mentioned that 2.4 million people benefited from NICVD treatment facilities last year, with patients coming from various cities.

He highlighted the PPP's commitment to serve the nation, providing free cancer treatment at Jinnah Hospital, which attracts patients from across the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

JI leader Syed Saifuddin Advocate reiterated the gravity of street crime in the city, pointing out that 73 people have been killed this year alone. Following the heated discussions, the council meeting was adjourned until 3pm on Tuesday.