Violence in Karachi: Prime minister to listen to businessmen’s perspective
Nawaz arrives in Karachi today to chair special cabinet meeting.
Nawaz arrives in Karachi today to chair special cabinet meeting. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
In the special cabinet meeting now rescheduled for Wednesday, officials believe that the federal cabinet might give a nod to a ‘targeted or surgical operation’ in Karachi.
The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is to arrive in Karachi today (Tuesday) to have meetings with the business community and other stakeholders.
Muhammad Haroon Agar, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, told The Express Tribune that a delegation will meet the premier at 6.30 pm at Governor House where they will brief him on how the business community is suffering because of the rampant extortion and crime in the city. “We just want peace. It is at the discretion of the government to call army or mobilise the police and Rangers (instead).”
There seems to be consensus on what needs to be done. “Nearly all the major political parties have opposed the role of the army in dealing with the Karachi situation. Looking at the proposals submitted by the Sindh government and intelligence agencies, the operation will be kicked off by the police and Rangers,” a home department official said.
The government has also invited Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar to attend the meeting. MQM had called for Karachi to be administered under the army and is the only political party that wants the army involved.
All eyes are on this meeting, which is likely to result in important decisions regarding the city’s law and order situation.
According to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the next three days are crucial for Karachi. Talking to the media at the Mazar-e-Quaid on Monday, he said, “The incumbent government has realised that without controlling Karachi’s law and order situation, the country cannot flourish. These three days will not only be important for Karachi, but the entire country.”
Meanwhile, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said, “Sindh government has decided to make a law against target killing and extortion. The cabinet meeting will be briefed about this law under which extortion cases would be registered under the anti-terrorism act.”
Nuts and bolts of the operation
The police department has submitted a report to the home department regarding the number of targeted killings, extortion cases and subsequent violence. “The report demarcates more than 40 sensitive areas where a targeted operation can be conducted,” a police official told The Express Tribune.
“Authorities have directed us to submit a summary of Rs10 billion. The amount will be sought from the federal government for the latest technology, including a video surveillance system. This will likely be taken up at the meeting.”
Meanwhile, other officials said that a high-level coordination committee, include police, interior ministry and intelligence officials, will be formed to oversee the operation, officials said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.
In the special cabinet meeting now rescheduled for Wednesday, officials believe that the federal cabinet might give a nod to a ‘targeted or surgical operation’ in Karachi.
The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif who is to arrive in Karachi today (Tuesday) to have meetings with the business community and other stakeholders.
Muhammad Haroon Agar, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, told The Express Tribune that a delegation will meet the premier at 6.30 pm at Governor House where they will brief him on how the business community is suffering because of the rampant extortion and crime in the city. “We just want peace. It is at the discretion of the government to call army or mobilise the police and Rangers (instead).”
There seems to be consensus on what needs to be done. “Nearly all the major political parties have opposed the role of the army in dealing with the Karachi situation. Looking at the proposals submitted by the Sindh government and intelligence agencies, the operation will be kicked off by the police and Rangers,” a home department official said.
The government has also invited Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar to attend the meeting. MQM had called for Karachi to be administered under the army and is the only political party that wants the army involved.
All eyes are on this meeting, which is likely to result in important decisions regarding the city’s law and order situation.
According to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the next three days are crucial for Karachi. Talking to the media at the Mazar-e-Quaid on Monday, he said, “The incumbent government has realised that without controlling Karachi’s law and order situation, the country cannot flourish. These three days will not only be important for Karachi, but the entire country.”
Meanwhile, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said, “Sindh government has decided to make a law against target killing and extortion. The cabinet meeting will be briefed about this law under which extortion cases would be registered under the anti-terrorism act.”
Nuts and bolts of the operation
The police department has submitted a report to the home department regarding the number of targeted killings, extortion cases and subsequent violence. “The report demarcates more than 40 sensitive areas where a targeted operation can be conducted,” a police official told The Express Tribune.
“Authorities have directed us to submit a summary of Rs10 billion. The amount will be sought from the federal government for the latest technology, including a video surveillance system. This will likely be taken up at the meeting.”
Meanwhile, other officials said that a high-level coordination committee, include police, interior ministry and intelligence officials, will be formed to oversee the operation, officials said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.