A view of the houses damaged by the Abbas town's blast, which killed over 50 people. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI: Shia organisations have given an ultimatum to the government to begin rehabilitation work for the victims of the Abbas Town tragedy within 48 hours while requesting the nation to observe Friday as a day of protest against terrorists and of loyalty to those injured in the blast.
“Reconstruction and repairing of the damaged flats of the victims must start within the next 48 hours,” demanded Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafari, secretary-general of the Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, while addressing a press conference at Imam Bargah Ali Reza on Thursday.
The leader also demanded that the promised compensations should be given to the heirs and relatives of the “martyrs” and to the injured at the earliest.
“The Chief of Army Staff should clarify his position on the question of military operation against the terrorists,” said Allama Jafari, reiterating the demand for countrywide operation for elimination of terrorists. He added that the army chief must grant permission for an operation to get rid of the notorious terrorists responsible for targeting innocent Shia Muslims.
He urged all Pakistanis to join Shia Muslims in peace walks, protest, condolence meetings and lighting of earth lamps on the site of the blast on Friday, while acknowledging that Sunnis were also victimised in the attacks.
He lashed out at certain political parties for trying to use the Abbas Town tragedy for their political mileage. “They used media coverage to hoodwink people by exaggerating their role for relief of the victims,” said Allama Jafari. “We don’t need crocodile tears of demagogues. Everyone, including the government, has failed in defeating terrorism. Our allied Sunni leaders have expressed solidarity with us and together we will expose allies of terrorists in the political parties.”
Governor’s visit
Police and law enforcement agencies have started targeted operation in disturbed areas of the city, said Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan during his visit to Abbas town.
Khan added that the Sindh government has made arrangements for about 100 flats for the victims of the Abbas town blast who would also be given compensation soon. The governor met the victim families and offered condolences on demise of their loved ones.
He also presided over a law and order meeting at Governor House where he was given details about police and Rangers about the worsening situation in the city. The governor said that Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaque Parvez Kayani also inquired about the law and order situation in Karachi during his stay. “I briefed him (Kayani) at the corps commander office on Wednesday.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ