Karachi situation: Party workers advised not to take law in to their hands

Meeting chaired by President discusses measures to tackle law and order situation in Lyari.

KARACHI: Presidential spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar has said that President Asif Ali Zardari emphasises on the maintenance of law and order in Karachi at all costs, without any fear or favour, and has asked party workers to not be provoked into taking law in to their own hands.

During a meeting on the law and order situation of Karachi held at Bilawal House on Tuesday, the president said that the situation in Lyari has to be tackled both by use of force against criminals and through political means to address developmental problems of the areas.

Presiding over the meeting, the president further said that maintaining the law and order was a shared responsibility of the political forces who need to join hands to maintain peace in the metropolis.

The president reiterated his call for innovative development plans for the towns especially those which were densely populated and have limited and insufficient infrastructure with almost negligible recreational facilities. He directed that construction of educational and recreational facilities be prioritised as to provide good educational facilities to the youth in such populated areas.

Those present during the meeting included Senator Faisal Raza Abidi, Nabeel Gabol, Engineer Rafique, Muhammad Saleem Hingoro, Ismail Barohi, Shakoor Shad, Arshad Naqvi, Kousar Aamir, Ghulam Muhammad, Khalil Hoth, Taimour Siyal and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

Taking part in the discussion, the participants gave their perspective on the reasons behind the adverse law and order situation in Lyari and offered various suggestions on how to tackle it. Taking note of their suggestions, the President asked the Sindh chief minister to direct the Rangers and FC personnel to assist the police in maintenance of law and order in Lyari, Farhatullah Babar said.

Later the meeting also reviewed progress on various developmental projects in Lyari. The chief minister briefed the meeting on the progress of various developmental projects.

The meeting also reviewed progress on Lyari Development Package which included laying and relaying of water and sewerage pipelines, development of roads, educational institutions, parks, play grounds and the electrification in all the 11 Union Councils of Lyari.

Progress of work on Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Lyari Medical College, development of Kakri Ground and construction of Lea Market Flyover and Lea Market were also discussed during the meeting.