Senator Raza Rabbani on Thursday warned the government of possible changes in political boundaries if it failed to tackle security challenges the country is currently facing.
“I believe that the security measures the government has taken are totally ineffective,” said the veteran Pakistan Peoples Party senator while talking on a motion to discuss the country’s law and order situation with particular reference to Karachi. According to his assessment, security measures are taken without indentifying the root causes and core issues of the problem.
Without naming any quarters, he held invisible forces responsible for creating obstacles which often result in the clash of national institutions.
“Moves such as raising the Balochistan issue in the US Congress or discussing alternative boundaries for Pakistan apart from declaring the country ungovernable, are being made to destabilise the country,” he noted. He also mentioned the issue of missing persons, which he perceived was created in a bid to develop an environment of collision between army, judiciary and civilians.
“Under such a situation, it is the responsibility of parliament and all political parties, religious groups and other stakeholders to sit together. It is high time our ruling elite decide which direction we have to move ahead in.”
Rabbani suggested the formation of various political committees in Sindh to handle law and order in their respective constituencies.
He also asked intelligence agencies to monitor entry and exit points in the province to prevent terrorist infiltration.
The senator called for an end to political interference in police appointments and the release of criminal elements.
He added that security agencies should upgrade their phone tracking and CCTV systems as well.
Agreeing with Rabbani, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik offered a comprehensive in-camera briefing to parliament on law and order. He could not wind up the debate however due to a throat problem.
The house was adjourned till Friday 10 am.
Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senator Mushahidullah Khan pointed out the Frontier Corps raid in Baloch leader Talal Akbar Bugti’s residence. Condemning the act, PML-N and Baloch lawmakers staged a walkout.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2012.
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