Turmoil in Karachi: Army vows to support operation

Operational preparedness of troops and tensions along Line of Control discussed.

ISLAMABAD:

Coinciding with a special session of the federal cabinet in Karachi, top military commanders on Wednesday reviewed internal security situation of the country and reiterated their support for a civilian led targeted operation against criminal and terrorist elements in the port city.

The corps commanders’ meeting held at General Headquarters and chaired by Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani discussed the worsening law and order situation in Karachi at length.

After deliberations, the military commanders resolved to provide civilian authorities with all out support in bringing the law and order situation under control in the financial hub of the country.



Following the meeting, a military official told The Express Tribune that since the operation would be led by Rangers, the army’s role would be confined to providing necessary intelligence to concerned law enforcement agencies.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the corps commanders’ conference was part of routine monthly meetings.

It said that the corps commanders meetings discussed, at length, various professional matters and conducted a comprehensive review of prevalent internal and external security situation of the country, it added.

Tension across the LOC

Talking about the meeting, an official said the commanders also reviewed the ongoing tension along the Line of Control (LoC) with India.

General Kayani briefed the military commanders about his recent visits to forward positions along the de facto border that divides the disputed region of Kashmir. The army chief voiced satisfaction over the operational preparedness being maintained by troops on the frontline.

The conference, according to the official, noted the de-escalation of tension along LoC after weeks of clashes and reiterated Pakistan army’s decision to respond to any further incidents of flare-up with restraint.

Pakistan and Indian militaries have engaged in a series of ceasefire violations since early August following the killing of five Indian soldiers across the LoC.

India accused Pakistan army for behind the killing of its soldiers. However, Islamabad denies the charge and holds New Delhi responsible for border clashes.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2013.