Karachi operation: Nawaz vows to eliminate terrorism

He directs officials of Sindh govt to get latest technology, expand network of CCTV cameras in the city.

KARACHI:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that his government would use all resources to bring peace in Karachi come what may.

Presiding over a law and order meeting at Karachi airport, he directed officials of the Sindh government to get the latest technology and expand the network of CCTV cameras in the city.

“The federal government will extend all-out support in providing the latest technology to the Sindh government and enhance coordination between police and intelligence agencies to control the situation,” he said.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Secretary, IG police, DG Rangers and officials of police and intelligence agencies attended the review meeting.

Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that prime minister repeatedly warned IG and additional IG police and said, “I am hearing different stories regarding police negligence. The government will not tolerate this attitude. Take action against criminals irrespective of affiliation with any party or group.”

He stressed that during the operation, police must lodge FIRs against criminals under the Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) and discussed a viable place to move the PPO court established by Sindh government a few days ago.

Later speaking to the media, the prime minister said, “Terrorism is not confined to Karachi alone, but the entire country is suffering from it. I assure you that the incumbent government will root out terrorism in Karachi,” he said.

Nawaz said that the centre would continue its support to chief minister Sindh and his team in the ongoing targeted operation that will continue till there is peace in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2014.