KARACHI, July 8 (APP): Interior Minister A. Rehman Malik said here Friday that law enforcing agencies (LEAs) have arrested 173 suspected persons and killed two alleged assailants in an encounter during an operation against killers in the city.He was talking to media after attending a high level meeting at the Chief Minister House. Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah was also present on the occasion.He said that under a new strategy, some areas will be handed over to the rangers while others to the police. In addition, 250 personnel of Frontier Constabulary (FC) have also been called to assist police and rangers, he added.
Malik said that rangers is an elite force and has produced results in the past.They have been given a “free hand” to conduct operations against the killer and miscreants who have killed innocent people in the city during the last three days.
“They have been asked to go for encounters against the miscreants when necessary to stop killing of innocent people in the city”, he remarked.
He pointed out that the presence of intelligence has also been enhanced three times to get authentic information against the miscreants.
He said that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have asked him to show zero tolerance to the violence in Karachi and ordered for stringent action against the killers.
“We will bring back life and normalcy to Karachi and take the killers to the task”, he vowed.
The Minister said that Sindh Chief Minister has been busy for the last 24 hours taking actions against the killers.
Responding to a question, the Interior Minister said that he was in contact with MQM chief, Altaf Hussain and ANP chief Asfandyar Wali and other parties to request them to control their workers.
“I also appealed to them to ask their leaders and workers to support and cooperate with the government in its efforts to arrest the killers,” he added.
“I was in contact with Altaf Bhai last night and today (Friday) to seek his support and I thank him for withdrawing the strike call and also postponing the march which was planned for Friday.”
Malik said that all the workers of MQM or ANP were as close to him as PPP workers.
He pointed out that law enforcing agencies have been directed to take tough action against the miscreants, irrespective of party affiliation or influence.
He said that LEAs have also been given the identity of those groups which were demanding “bhatta” from businessmen in the city.
Referring to some pockets where criminal groups are resorting firing on transport and people, Rehman Malik said that LEAs have been directed to conduct operation in Katti Pahari area, Qasba Morr and Sherpao Colony.
He also urged the media not to sensationalise the incidents and not to count the deceased like cricket score. They are human beings and their respect should be maintained, he added.
Malik said media will not be allowed for their own safety in those areas where LEAs are conducting operations against the criminals.
They will be allowed, once an area is cleared from the miscreants, the Minister added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that law and order situation has improved and firing incidents have reduced after LEAs action against miscreants since last (Thursday) night.
He said Sindh government will support the rangers as they are an effective force. “We will own their actions as they are needed to control law and order and take action against the criminals,” he added.
Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and said this killing will be stopped and this problem will be solved.
He said that an effective plan has been devised to deal with the criminals and killers in the city.
“They have been asked to go for encounters against the miscreants when necessary to stop killing of innocent people in the city”, he remarked.
He pointed out that the presence of intelligence has also been enhanced three times to get authentic information against the miscreants.
He said that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have asked him to show zero tolerance to the violence in Karachi and ordered for stringent action against the killers.
“We will bring back life and normalcy to Karachi and take the killers to the task”, he vowed.
The Minister said that Sindh Chief Minister has been busy for the last 24 hours taking actions against the killers.
Responding to a question, the Interior Minister said that he was in contact with MQM chief, Altaf Hussain and ANP chief Asfandyar Wali and other parties to request them to control their workers.
“I also appealed to them to ask their leaders and workers to support and cooperate with the government in its efforts to arrest the killers,” he added.
“I was in contact with Altaf Bhai last night and today (Friday) to seek his support and I thank him for withdrawing the strike call and also postponing the march which was planned for Friday.”
Malik said that all the workers of MQM or ANP were as close to him as PPP workers.
He pointed out that law enforcing agencies have been directed to take tough action against the miscreants, irrespective of party affiliation or influence.
He said that LEAs have also been given the identity of those groups which were demanding “bhatta” from businessmen in the city.
Referring to some pockets where criminal groups are resorting firing on transport and people, Rehman Malik said that LEAs have been directed to conduct operation in Katti Pahari area, Qasba Morr and Sherpao Colony.
He also urged the media not to sensationalise the incidents and not to count the deceased like cricket score. They are human beings and their respect should be maintained, he added.
Malik said media will not be allowed for their own safety in those areas where LEAs are conducting operations against the criminals.
They will be allowed, once an area is cleared from the miscreants, the Minister added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that law and order situation has improved and firing incidents have reduced after LEAs action against miscreants since last (Thursday) night.
He said Sindh government will support the rangers as they are an effective force. “We will own their actions as they are needed to control law and order and take action against the criminals,” he added.
Shah expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and said this killing will be stopped and this problem will be solved.
He said that an effective plan has been devised to deal with the criminals and killers in the city.