Law and order: Karachi Op phase II wins premier’s nod
Sindh governor conspicuous by his absence from key meeting
A file photo of Rangers. PHOTO: ONLINE
KARACHI:
Appreciating the law enforcement agencies’ performance in the ongoing surgical operation in Karachi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave the go ahead for the second phase of the crackdown on Wednesday.
“I want peace in Karachi come what may,” he said while presiding over a law and order meeting at the PAF Base Faisal. He directed the law enforcers to intensify the operation. “Target killers, gangs, mafias and sectarian and other criminal outfits have no place in Karachi.”
Rangers Director General Maj-Gen Bilal Akbar briefed the meeting on the ongoing operation, especially the raid on MQM headquarters Nine-Zero, the suspects arrested and the weapons seized. He also shared the revelations made by some of the suspects.
The meeting was unusual because it did not take place at either the Chief Minister House or the Governor House. Moreover, Governor Ishratul Ebad left the venue without attending the meeting and the police chief was also made to wait outside.
The governor and the premier travelled in the same vehicle, but after attending a Karachi Stock Exchange award ceremony, Ebad left for the Governor House, fuelling rumours that the federal government is considering replacing the governor following former MQM activist Saulat Mirza’s accusation that Ebad provides protection to criminals at police stations.
Premier Nawaz later held a separate meeting with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, who went directly to Bilawal House after the meeting. Sources believe that the provincial chief executive and the premier discussed the governor’s possible replacement.
The prime minister held a separate meeting with the Rangers chief and Karachi Corps Commander Naveed Mukhtar before convening a meeting with the chief minister and Chief Secretary Siddique Memon.
‘Operation to continue’
Addressing the award ceremony, the prime minister assured the business community that the Karachi operation would continue until the last terrorist was eliminated.
“The operation is being conducted with consultation of all the political parties, the business community and other stakeholders, and the situation has considerably improved. I assure you that this operation is not against a party or a group, but against criminals.”
He said he wanted to turn Karachi into the City of Lights again, with zero crime rate. “Peace in Karachi is a must for economic prosperity of the country.”
The premier said Operation Zarb-e-Azb was progressing successfully in North Waziristan Agency, adding that the government was pursuing a 20-point agenda (the National Action Plan) that was being implemented across the country.
Efforts for investment
Premier Nawaz said efforts were afoot to promote investment in the country as well as to improve infrastructure, which includes a motorway linking Karachi to the rest of the country.
He said the government was also making efforts for importing gas from Iran, as well as providing economical electricity to the citizens so that production costs reduce and industrial and agricultural products are available at inexpensive rates for increased export.
Elaborating on resolving the issue of energy shortage in the country, the premier said a broad-based programme was being pursued, including power generation from coal, solar and wind energy, besides long-term hydel generation projects.
The prime minister also distributed awards among the outstanding companies and urged other businesses to emulate them to improve their performance.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2015.
Appreciating the law enforcement agencies’ performance in the ongoing surgical operation in Karachi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif gave the go ahead for the second phase of the crackdown on Wednesday.
“I want peace in Karachi come what may,” he said while presiding over a law and order meeting at the PAF Base Faisal. He directed the law enforcers to intensify the operation. “Target killers, gangs, mafias and sectarian and other criminal outfits have no place in Karachi.”
Rangers Director General Maj-Gen Bilal Akbar briefed the meeting on the ongoing operation, especially the raid on MQM headquarters Nine-Zero, the suspects arrested and the weapons seized. He also shared the revelations made by some of the suspects.
The meeting was unusual because it did not take place at either the Chief Minister House or the Governor House. Moreover, Governor Ishratul Ebad left the venue without attending the meeting and the police chief was also made to wait outside.
The governor and the premier travelled in the same vehicle, but after attending a Karachi Stock Exchange award ceremony, Ebad left for the Governor House, fuelling rumours that the federal government is considering replacing the governor following former MQM activist Saulat Mirza’s accusation that Ebad provides protection to criminals at police stations.
Premier Nawaz later held a separate meeting with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, who went directly to Bilawal House after the meeting. Sources believe that the provincial chief executive and the premier discussed the governor’s possible replacement.
The prime minister held a separate meeting with the Rangers chief and Karachi Corps Commander Naveed Mukhtar before convening a meeting with the chief minister and Chief Secretary Siddique Memon.
‘Operation to continue’
Addressing the award ceremony, the prime minister assured the business community that the Karachi operation would continue until the last terrorist was eliminated.
“The operation is being conducted with consultation of all the political parties, the business community and other stakeholders, and the situation has considerably improved. I assure you that this operation is not against a party or a group, but against criminals.”
He said he wanted to turn Karachi into the City of Lights again, with zero crime rate. “Peace in Karachi is a must for economic prosperity of the country.”
The premier said Operation Zarb-e-Azb was progressing successfully in North Waziristan Agency, adding that the government was pursuing a 20-point agenda (the National Action Plan) that was being implemented across the country.
Efforts for investment
Premier Nawaz said efforts were afoot to promote investment in the country as well as to improve infrastructure, which includes a motorway linking Karachi to the rest of the country.
He said the government was also making efforts for importing gas from Iran, as well as providing economical electricity to the citizens so that production costs reduce and industrial and agricultural products are available at inexpensive rates for increased export.
Elaborating on resolving the issue of energy shortage in the country, the premier said a broad-based programme was being pursued, including power generation from coal, solar and wind energy, besides long-term hydel generation projects.
The prime minister also distributed awards among the outstanding companies and urged other businesses to emulate them to improve their performance.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2015.