Operation to continue in Karachi till peace is restored: Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister directs to shift ATC to Malir Cantonment, expedite construction of high security prisons.

KARACHI: As Lyari simmered after a week of violence, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated on Friday that targeted operation against criminals in Karachi will continue indiscriminately till peace is restored, noting much still needs to be done.

Addressing business community at the exports trophy awards ceremony of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said maintaining better law and order in the country, especially in Karachi, was vital for the nation’s economic prosperity and development.

A large number of KCCI members including leading industrialists and exporters were present at the ceremony which also witnessed attendance from Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh education minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Federal finance minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani. Former federal ministers Dr Farooq Sattar and Babar Khan Ghauri were also present for the event.

Nawaz said Karachi is the heart of the country and after taking over as the prime minister, he has initiated interaction and had held detailed meetings with all stakeholders including the main political parties and the business community.

He said this has resulted in a consensus that a well-planned and across the board operation, was unavoidable to purge the city of crimes, mainly terrorism and kidnapping for ransom incidents.

He expressed satisfaction that the operation was going in the right direction. However, he said, the federal and Sindh governments still have a lot to do on this account to achieve the desired results.

Every individual should play his role for the peace, prosperity and development of the country, he added.

“We are here today to discuss the law and order situation.”

Level playing field for Karachi’s businesses

Nawaz revealed that foreign businessmen were hesitant to visit Pakistan, particularly Karachi.

The premier said that the government was committed to restoring peace and security to the satisfaction of every citizen of the country and to attract foreign traders and investors in the country.

Nawaz appreciated the high spirit of the business community who were working hard for the economic prosperity and development of the country.

“We are trying our best to provide a level playing field to the business community, especially in Karachi,” he added.

High level meeting

Later, Nawaz chaired a high level meeting to review law and order situation in Karachi.

“Karachi operation will continue. The sacrifices rendered by our security agencies are invaluable. Karachi operation is not a routine issue for the government and I will regularly monitor and supervise operation and will help the provincial government in resolving the issues.”

Keeping in view the protection of witnesses, investigators, prosecutors and judges, the premier directed to shift Anti-Terrorism Courts to Malir Cantonment.

Nawaz also directed to lift ban on recruitment in all civil armed forces of Pakistan. On the recommendation of DG Rangers, Nawaz directed that Army Recruitment Centres should be utilised for recruitment. He further directed that recruitment should be purely on merit and without any favourtism, observing strict transparency in the process.

It was also agreed in-principle that additional police stations be established in Lyari.

Reviewing prisons and the threats against them, the prime minister directed the Sindh government to expedite establishment of isolated, high security prisons in the province for high value prisoners.

Discussing methods to curb crime, the premier directed the ministry of interior to expedite blocking of illegal mobile phone SIMs. He further directed the ministry to ensure use of biometric system for issuance of SIMs in the future.

The premier directed the provincial government and Rangers to take action against land-mafia that is illegally grabbing state lands.

A high level meeting was also scheduled for next week wherein all Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries and IGs will participate to review the overall security situation of the country.

“We will also discuss coordination mechanism regarding border control, intelligence sharing and combating terrorism.”

The meeting was attended by Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Engr. Khurram Distagir, Chief Secretary Sindh, Inspector General of Police Sindh and Director General of Intelligence Bureau.