News
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Extortionists to be dealt with iron hands: Rehman Malik
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik said on Tuesday that he had directed law enforcement agencies to gather information so as to take stern action against “Batha Mafia” as was taken against target killers in Karachi.
Talking to the media after chairing a high level meeting, he said that the issue was discussed in detail and it had been decided to make a strategy to achieve better and positive results.
He said that action would be taken against those who threw grenades and delivered “Batha slips”. The government, he said, was focusing on internal security and was holding dialogue with all stakeholders in this regard. He said that the basic focus of the meeting, also attended by home secretaries, provincial police chiefs and other officials, was deweaponisation.
Rehman Malik said that this was a national issue, as computerisation of arm licences would help eliminate fake ones and illegal weapons in the country. Answering a question, he said, “The deweaponisation drive is not confined to any city, rather it is country-specific to help curb crimes and other incidents of lawlessness. We are getting input from all quarters so that action can be taken against the criminals including terrorists.”
The minister said it was decided that a cell would be established at each district headquarter to renew or issue licences. The same cell would also entertain those holding licences issued by the provinces. “Basically the objective behind this move is to make each and every arms licence computerised,” he said, adding that this was very necessary, as computerisation would ensure transparency.
Another important decision taken during the meeting, he said, was to activate the law relating to surrendering of illicit arms. This was an Act of 1991, where the federal government could issue a notification, authorising the district coordination officer, deputy commissioner or other officer concerned to collect illegal arms, which would be surrendered. Other issues, such as money laundering, cyber crimes, were also discussed during the meeting, he said, and added that the center was supporting the provinces in combating the crimes.
He appreciated cooperation received from the media in the fight against terror. Answering another question, he said, “We respect each and every order of the Supreme Court and we will continue this in future as well.”
The minister said that a free media and free judiciary were linked with democracy and, so, being a democratic government “we will always facilitate them in the larger national interest”. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk