Crime control: SHC orders creation of rapid response force

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed federal interior and defence ministries to establish a Rapid Response Force in order to deal with criminal elements operating in the country.

The direction came during the hearing of a plea seeking the  release of three Waziristan residents.

The petitioner also stated that she was receiving calls for payment of ransom in order to secure safe release of the kidnapped persons.

“It has come on record that criminals are operating at a national level, and some even beyond territorial limits of Pakistan,” observed Chief Justice Mushir Alam.

The judges noted that the challenges posed by criminals needed extraordinary efforts by all law enforcement agencies, from the provinces as well as the federal government. They felt that some focal point or a centralised Quick Response Force Authority should be established to attend to such issues promptly, in order to avoid bureaucratic delays.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 8^th, 2013.