A new plan to tackle Karachi violence emerges

Multiple committees to be formed to tackle the crisis.

KARACHI: Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan put forward the plan devised by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on how to tackle Karachi’s failing law and order situation, during a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday.

“After taking all points of views into account, the prime minister has decided to form a committee, which will be responsible for taking immediate action against heinous crimes like extortion and terrorists among others,” Chaudhry Nisar said.

Headed by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, the committee will look after matters involving immediate targeted operations against those responsible for Karachi’s deteriorating law and order situation.

The interior minister further added that the rangers will lead the operation, while the police department will support them. Furthermore, federal and provincial intelligence agencies will provide the information.

“A legal committee will come under the main committee, headed by Zahid Hamid, which will address the concerns of rangers regarding their lack of authority in some regions of the city and the inadequacy of the system that lets the culprits go,” he said.

“Another operational committee will be formed, under the leadership of DG Rangers. Under this committee, rangers, police and intelligence agencies will meet daily and discuss the activities regarding the operation,” Chaudhry Nisar added.

He also said that the IGP Sindh has been ordered to revamp the police department and suspend and arrest police officials who are involved in criminal activities or are a disgrace to the department.

An additional monitoring committee, involving members of civil society, will look after operational activities. The minister said that the committee will include bureaucrats, senior media persons and businessmen among others, who are not associated with any political party.

“One police station, per district, will be identified as the focal station for investigation and operation. Even rangers will be involved in the investigation,” he said.

Chaudhry Nisar said that this is a big test of partnership between federal and provincial government. “We want to show that we can join hands for the sake of national interest.”

Commenting on media’s role he said, “Media plays a very crucial role in this whole exercise. We request you to support us and stop the race of breaking the story first and guide us if we do something wrong.”

The news conference was also attended by Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat ul Ebad.