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Lacunas in anti-terrorism laws helping criminals: Malik
KARACHI, Oct 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik has said that there are lacunas in the anti-terrorism laws which facilitate the release of accused who give confessional statements before the police. “Federal and provincial governments have given their recommendations to the Law Ministry to look into the loopholes,” he said while addressing a press conference at Sindh Chief Minister’s House here on Monday.Referring to the fresh wave of target killings in Karachi, the Minister said that Federal Government was deeply concerned over the incidents and was working on various proposals of the provincial government to tackle the problem which recurs after every two or three months.
The Minister said that the law enforcing agencies have arrested several accused allegedly involved in the target killings and they confessed their crimes while showing their affiliation with one or the other political party.
However, he said that most of the accused, when confirmed from the political parties, were expelled or involved in various criminal activities.
“In future, we are considering various options that political parties will give the information to the government if any worker or activists is involved has been expelled from the party,” Malik said and pointed out that at least 60 accused arrested showed their affiliation with various political parties.
Referring to his meetings with the law enforcing agencies, he said that nobody will be spared if found involved in any criminal activity and he may either be from MQM, ANP or even PPP.
He said that role of DIGs were being enhanced with powers to improve the performance of police at local level and authorise the concerned SHOs to make the community policing more effective.
Rehman Malik said that the present police force of Sindh was not enough to control the crimes and they have approached the Federal Government to induct an additional force of 10,000 police personnel to contain the law and order situation in the province.
“Karachi is heart and economic hub of the country and we need to give it due importance,” he said while referring to the concerns of foreign investors and local populace.
Federal Minister said that various laws will be introduced to deweaponise the civilians and added that a department was being established in the Police Department to facilitate trace the criminals with modern gadgets through forensic evidence.
The Minister advised the media to confirm the reports of any killings without declaring them as ‘target killings’ as professional killers also indulge in murders on personal enmity of people.
The Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and Advisor to CM on information, Sharmila Farooqui was also present on the occasion.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk