Monday, August 29, 2011

Some areas in Karachi are no go areas: IG informs SC

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked peace stands ruled out in Karachi without deweaponization of the city.
CJP gave these remarks while presiding over 5-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of suo motu notice here in Karachi on Monday. The other members of bench were Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ghulam Rabbani.
Sources told Attorney General (AG) Moulvi Anwar ul Haq presented reports of Special Branch, FIA and IB in the courts. AG requested the court not to provide some parts of FIA report to media and they be also not be made part of the record. Court remarked these all were only the general reports and these reports contained the details of arrested persons and responsible persons. CJP said to AG in his remarks “ Information provided by you are insufficient. We have got information from some other resources too”.
Court inquired from IG Sindh Police what investigations he had made. Who is held responsible therein, How the court will reach any conclusion”.
CJP remarked “It was responsibility of police and law enforcement agencies to provide protection to people. How the SHO does not come to know about the crimes committed in his respective limits”.
IG Sindh Wajid Durrani informed the bench in his report “Karachi was not a no go area. However certain areas therein were no go areas”.
Upon IG Sindh briefing CJP remarked “you admit there are certain areas in Karachi where police can not enter.
IG Sindh Police replied “There are some areas in Karachi where police and common man can not enter”.
He informed the court 306 people had been killed in the limits of 75 police stations from July, 24 to August, 24. 17 bodies were found in gunny bags. 18 persons who were kidnapped on August, 19 were recovered from different areas and 20 culprits had also been arrested during one month.
CJP inquired from IG Sindh if he had inquired from any kidnapped person who kidnapped him and where he was taken.
IG Sindh Police told those who are recovered are so much terrified that they are not able to give any statement.
IG Sindh told extortion money was being grabbed since the last 10 to 12 years and this was grabbed from homes and traders through chits.
He told arms were in abundance in Karachi and by dint of arms and ammunition lands are occupied illegally and extortion money is grabbed.
CJP remarked “we have ascertained facts and now we have to find who is patronizing the criminals.
Babar Awan appeared on behalf of federation and Abdul Hafiz Pirzada and Advocate General Sindh Abdul Fateh Malik represented government of Sindh.
The hearing has been adjourned till Wednesday.