An Express News screenshot of the PM at the press conference in Karachi.
The premier was talking to journalists in a press conference held after his meeting with representatives from Karachi's business community.
Nawaz Sharif said that security forces had arrested around 6000 suspected target killers, extortionists and kidnappers in the metropolis and though the operation could be improved further, there was no doubt it had affected the city's security situation for the better.
"By and large, everyone from the business community has agreed that the operation has had positive results," said the prime minister. "Nobody said that the situation was as bad as before."
Nawaz Sharif was flanked by Governor Ishratul Ibad on one side and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on the other. He congratulated both officials on the success of the operation.
Nawaz agreed to the Governor's request that a committee be formed to supervise the operation.
The PM went on to say that the government was aware that criminals from one province were taking refuge in other provinces, and Sindh, Punjab and K-P were all victims in this regard.
He promised due action against such criminals, adding that the courts must pursue an expeditious trial against every one of these suspects and take into account the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) reports provided by in this regard.
Nawaz Sharif said the country was facing serious challenges but strong decisions by a strong government could put things right.
The Prime Minister also announced the steps taken by the government to bring the economy back on track and resolve the crippling energy crisis.
'Lay down arms,' Nawaz tells Baloch rebels
Earlier, on his visit to the disaster-stricken Awaran district of Balochistan, the PM asked Baloch rebels to lay down their arms and to work towards the betterment of the country.
Nawaz said there was nothing to be gained from fighting with the rebels, and that they were "our brothers" and there should be no motivation to take revenge from them.
After a major earthquake hit Balochistan on September 24 this year, the army began relief work in the province, which was made difficult by rebel activity in the region.
The rebels had charged the army with conducting an operation in the garb of relief work – a charge that Maj Gen Salik, who oversees the relief operations, strongly denied.
Relief work
While speaking to earthquake victims and tribal leaders in Awaran, Nawaz Sharif also announced the government’s plans to give Rs0.5 million in aid to the families of victims who died in the Balochistan earthquake. Those who were injured will also be given Rs0.15 million each.
He remarked that “while no specific worth can be put on life,” this financial aid is being being given to provide relief to the victims.
Nawaz said that Awaran should be turned into a “model district” and the government wishes to improve Awaran so that it is “no less then Karachi, Islamabad or Lahore.”
"[We shall] rebuild Awaran so that it looks like a beautiful city, not a village," the premier said.
Nawaz also asked the victims in his address whether they would prefer that the government rebuilds their homes or if they would rather rebuild their houses themselves.
The government will take action to provide electricity via solar power to Awaran 24 hours a day, Nawaz continued.
He also emphasised that the government is bearing the cost of these relief activities and “did not take foreign aid” to fund it.
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Malik Baloch were present with him during the address.
Quake
A 7.7-magnitude quake struck Balochistan on September 24, destroying thousands of mud-built homes as it spread havoc through Awaran and Kech districts and southwestern parts of the country. Awaran is counted among the most sensitive and insurgency-hit districts of Balochistan.
According to the USGS, the epicentre was 23 kilometres below the ground in Awaran district.
The death toll from the quake was at least 350 people with more than 800 injuries. The quake had destroyed access routes to many areas in the province, making it difficult to determine exact figures of the victims.
COMMENTS (24)
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@M. Emad: NGO's are not safe in Balochistan, and can be attacked by BLA, and the government will be held responsible. BLA is sponsored, funded and supported by India, sitting in our western border in the guise of helping Afghans(consulates, training centers). Little did they know that Balochistan, unlike Bangladesh is not surrounded on three sides by India, and only three sardars namely Bugti, Mengal, and Marri tribes and even in that tribes, less than 5 percent people demand an independence. And let's not forget that Pashtuns are about 55% of Baluchistan population and there is no insurgency in their areas. They are staunch supporter of Pakistan, so are the native Balochs.
Some kind of rehabilitation schemes, particularly in the Lyari area of Karachi should be started, as the turmoil and the law and order situation has an economic angle to it as well. Huge number of frustrated youths, looking for jobs and trying to earn their livelihood but in vain, is the root cause of all sorts of crimes. I would request the government to start some economic rehabilitation schemes in general for the whole of Karachi, with particular importance given to youths, in the context of Jobs, small loans, scholarships, higher education and other income generation schemes. Otherwise the operation will not get its desired result as more unemployed youths will join the gangs and will indulge in other criminal activities.
@It Is (still) Economy Stupid:
Thats a good thing. Theres a difference between the baloch and the TTP et al. The latter should be hunted and killed till their last man. Baloch have fought and indeed struggled for equal rights, its a separatist insurgency. The Baloch are the ones that should be talked to.
Only the dedicated & sincere leadership of PMLN has the ability and is proving credibility in bringing peace & prosperity in Karachi when all other political parties have their armed militant wings!
Can we, the public generally and people of balochistan particularly, beg you to stop playing these old antics; it is nauseating. We know solving Baluchistan issue is not remotely on your agenda. actually no one cares about anything in this country. what they really care about is themselves and their own families (though i doubt that). do not make Awaren-Karachi and Gwadar-Dubai , just let us live a peaceful life. but no, that won't happen, the wound was left to fester until it transformed into a cancer.The People of Baluchistan are paying the price of other's incompetence,greed and lack of spine. caught between liberationists and anti liberationists the suffering of a common man/woman never makes a news story. but such empty drum beating does. Mr.(not so) sharif sb,who do you think you are fooling?
i have not heared emptier words than these in my entire 30 years of existence. i dont know, may be that's how they used to rule colonies ; a differnet message for the domestic audience and a totally different one for the wretched..This one was meant for Karachi,Pindid,Islamabad audience.
The Baloch do not trust Pakistan Army. Why not Pakistan government allow foreign aid NGO/agencies to work earthquake hit areas of Balochistan?
The Prime minister of the central Government in a democracy should act like one, and not demand, "lay down your arms" which sounds like the military Governor. Besides, how come that a major General of the army oversees the relief operations which should be the function of the Chief Minister of the province. Does the Pakistani General get paid for civilian duties?
Rex Minor
@ Identity The Pukhtoons of KP were exploited by their Nationalist politicians and not Punjab. Pukhtoons like Ayub Khan and Ghulam Isahaq Khan were the strongest Presidents with longer tenures. The non-nationalist civilian and Military rulers have done unprecedented development work in KP As for FATA, it is controlled and administered by the federal government through a Pukhtoon Governor and not Punjab.
@Zaida P: You talk to the Army Men (Colonels, Brigadiers, Generals) privately... and you would know. They use extremely filthy language for Balochistan. The level of contempt is unbelievable. I think it was the same for Bengal.
quake hit the province and Mr nawaz sharif has visited the province now. its all about defining ones pirorities and shows how much government cares for them every one seems to be concerned about negotiation with zaliman why not with balochs then. if negotiation is the only way to peace why not with balochs why not PML-N and PTI take stand on this
It is strange to hear this call from a country's PM where the national narrative is that it is foreign funded arms struggle and yet he appeals to them to lay down their arms.
Can somebody remind me what was it exactly that Pakistan has done for the Baloch since 1947?
not a confident man..reading from the note book while talking with Obama....offer talk to rebels with out precondition...
Monetary inducements are not going to work. Mr PM you cannot buy everyone. Stop depriving the province.