Karachi unrest: Justice Khilji proposes sending Rangers back to borders
The larger bench was hearing the case pertaining to the implementation of the court’s orders in the verdict given last year after the Supreme Court took suo motu of violence and unrest in the province.
The case is being heard in the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry.
The report on target killings presented in court today stated that there were a total of 2,381 important cases including murder and out of them; only 661 suspects had been arrested while more than 3,500 remained at large.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain remarked saying that the Rangers had been performing their duty in Karachi since 18 years and a hefty portion of the budget was being spent on them but added that the rangers had yielded no results.
He remarked that either the police should be removed from Karachi and only the Rangers be stationed here or send them back to safeguard our borders and use their portion of the budget on the police instead.
Unregistered vehicles
The Supreme Court had summoned the DIG traffic police in today’s hearing. The DIG appeared in court and upon being questioned about the state of traffic, informed the court that there were only 3000 traffic police officers in Karachi.
He said that there were around 15000 public transport vehicles in the city and around 2.7 million vehicles in total. He also informed the court that there were only 1500 police wardens available per shift to control this huge amount of traffic.
The court then issued orders to stop from operation and take action against vehicles which were unregistered, non-duty paid, internationally registered or in poor condition.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain said that cage atop public transport buses should be removed too and remarked that there was no alternate system of public transport available for the public and that not even 10 percent of public transport drivers were licensed.
The court also ordered submission of details on unregistered government vehicles.
Target killings
Rejecting the report presented during today’s hearing, the larger bench ordered Sindh Police to submit a comprehensive report on target killings in the city over the past year.
The larger bench stated that while the police were fighting against terrorism, police officers were issuing mere Rs100 challans to unregistered vehicles and those without registration number plates.
The court asked how the situation in the city would improve at such a pace.
Sindh Government’s Finance secretary appeared in court, as did AIG Sindh Police Bashir Memon, who presented the report as directed by the court earlier.
The court was dissatisfied with the report.
Justice Khilji Arif Hussain remarked that every murder creates panic in the city and added that 90% of the people are now victims of psychological stress.
Despite this, said Justice Khilji, unregistered vehicles with flags were being driven around the city but no one was stopping these.
The court then ordered for a comprehensive report of target killings over the past year.
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Do you know that the latest state of art: The amazing Chanchi Rickshaw sprawling all over Karachi do not have any registration number plates, and the drivers are mostly underage and without any driving licences. In the British times even Tongas, Camel carts, Donkey carts and Bicycles had registration numbers. How can the unregistered AFR Plates, internationally registered and non duty-paid, pitch dark glass vehicles operating in the city be fined when they can't even be stopped. We daily see costly vehicles without any number plates plying proudly on the roads. Nothing is going to change in this city. This is a Free country.
@Afzaal Khan: Read my question again.
Removing the Rangers from Ziauddin Ahmed Road and replacing them with the Sindh Security Unit, that guards Bilawal House in Karachi Shareef, lawlessness and disorder will be largely contained. If they fail, it will be due to lack of training and equipment. The Rangers occupying Jinnah Courts and a building opposite DJ College have put up five layers of metal crossbars, concrete blocks, and barbed wire extending onto a third of the road for barricades. The footpath is completely inaccessible and Allah Almighty help the man who dares to venture onto it. Therefore, he has to risk his life by walking on the main road. The Rangers had better go back to their barracks or borders a.s.a.p. because if they require so many protective measures for themselves, how can they confront the militants. An alternate arrangement is available by beefing up the SSU by employing more people, getting better equipment and imparting training. Moreover, the target killings go on unabated and the Rangers are silent spectators to factional murder. Salams
As per sugestion of Justice khilji ,Rangers should be sent to boarder,They areaffecing police efficiency.They are burden for Sindh economy for doing nothing
I think from SC remarks, orders or counter arguments seems that somebody is still alive to raise voice on behalf of general poor public to these so called Pharos. though I know with this nothing would be changed but have at least good feeling because either way what is happening good for general public. All is going down gradually.
To me nothing will change when there is no will and honesty and this is for all from top to bottom.
Rangers are affecting the efficiency of Police.
When there are two law enforment agencies in the same city, none of them would be abble to produce results and keep on passing the blame to each other and at the same time no one can fix the responsibilty on the Police.
Its a good idea to send to Rangers back to the borders. Its only once they are gone that we might actually see whether they were worth having in the city or otherwise.
Good step! Rangers should be moved out of Karachi as they are part of the problem...A brave decision by Justice Khilji...
thumbs up to mr.khiliji, you have rightly determined the rengers performance in last 18 years. this is the major reason behind the unrest in karachi.
i believe short term measure for an extended period [read 18 years] is not beneficial even for for the institution itself - that has basic training to parol the borders and unfortunately Sindh rangers are alien to the province [not to speak of karachi] itself.....indigenous police force is a first step!
Court's decision is extremely appreciated, its just the right one. Rangers are a menace for Karachi- they have done zilch to fix Karachi's problems rather they have become biggest money makers in the name of law and order
@DevilHunterX
From the report under "target killing" 2nd last para:
Despite this, said Justice Khilji, unregistered vehicles with flags were being driven around the city but no one was stopping these.
Question you should be asking where is everyone who blast SC for meddling in executive domain when situation is such? Executive is not doing anything, that SC needs to order this done speaks volume about Govt and executive domain.
In these conditions if the police are still allowing unregistered vehicles to move freely and don't even have a proper registration system for motorcycles, then surely they are liable for criminal negligence. The SC should ensure that at least these basic measures are implemented as a start to improving things.
All the crimes fetch billions of Rupees for various Government Corrupt Oficials. It is not the number of the Police Officials that is important, but the will and appropriate technology is missing in the situation. The Government should make a national level programe for identification of vehicles. This can be easily done with RFID technology.
What about private cars with government green color plates?