Terror cells working on separate targets

KARACHI: Terrorists have formed separate cells to target police officers on one hand and scholars and vulnerable groups on the other hand, according to Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar.

“One of the central issues related to law and order in Karachi is illegal weapons,” Major Gen Bilal Akbar said in Thursday’s briefing to the Senate standing committee on human rights. “A large number of weapons of prohibited bore have been issued to people,” he said suggesting that senators need to devise a policy. “Even law enforcers don’t have such sophisticated weapons.”

The paramilitary force is ready to purge Karachi of illicit weapons, according to him.

Official sources said that Nasreen Jalil, who was chairing the meeting at the chief secretary’s office, asked, “Why only Karachi? This should be done in the entire country.”

Among other senators who attended the meeting included Senators Farhatullah Babar, Dr Jehanzeb Jamaldin, Mir Kabir M Shahi, Nisar Muhammad , Sehar Kamran and Samina Abid. Sindh chief secretary as well as police and Rangers officials.



In his briefing, the DG Rangers disclosed that Tahir Minhas, one of the terrorists arrested in connection with the Safoora killings, was earlier in police custody.

Law enforcers are trying to determine how he came to be released. “He is involved in many terrorist activities. We will probe into the matter and [see] how he was released,” the DG Rangers said.

Authorities in Sindh have denied the involvement of RAW in the May 13 bus killings, officials of intelligence agencies informed the Senate committee that they were not so sure. “It is yet to be determined who is involved in the deadly attack. At this moment it will be premature to come to a conclusion. RAW’s involvement cannot be ruled out,” an official said.

“RAW is actively involved in destabilising Pakistan more than sectarian organizations. Some groups of these militants are working on the agenda of the Indian spy agency,” he said.

Earlier, briefing the meeting the chairperson of the committee Nasreen Jalil said that the purpose of their visit in Karachi was to express solidarity with the heirs of the victims of the Safoora shootings and review progress in the investigation.  After this meeting, the committee members called on Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah at the CM House. Shah briefed the senators about the Safoora incident and arrest of the terrorists.

According to a spokesperson for CM House, Shah praised the efforts of Karachi police and Rangers. He also expressed his government’s concern over the prime minister’s package for improving law and order in Karachi. Despite repeated requests, he said, the federal authorities have not yet released the promised sum of Rs10 billion for buying APCs and sophisticated weapons and gear for police.


Published in The Express Tribune, May 22^nd, 2015.