News
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
PPP tries to appease MQM* Malik says action will be taken against culprits irrespective of their political affiliations
* 10,000 policemen will be inducted in Sindh police to control law and order
By Masroor Afzal Pasha
KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday said all measures would be taken to maintain law and order in Karachi.
The minister was talking to reporters after meeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leaders at MQM’s headquarters at Azizabad. He also condoled with bereaved families of the victims of recent violence in the city.
Malik said all those who had lost their lives in the violent incidents were Pakistanis and indiscriminate and stern action would be taken against the culprits. He said there were lacunas in the anti-terrorism laws, which facilitated the release of the accused who gave confessional statements before the police.
“The 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 the Sindh Chief Minister’s House. Malik said law enforcement agencies had arrested several accused allegedly involved in target killings and they had confessed to their crimes while showing affiliations with a political party. “In future, political parties will provide information to the government if any worker or activist involved has been expelled from the party,” Malik said and pointed out that at least 60 accused arrested had showed their affiliations with various political parties.
Referring to his meetings with law enforcement agencies, he said nobody would be spared if found involved in any criminal activity regardless of their affiliation with the MQM, ANP or even PPP.
Police: Malik said the current strength of Sindh police force was not enough to control the crimes and they had approached the federal government to induct 10,000 additional policemen to maintain law and order in the province.
Also on Monday, Malik met Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at the Governor’s House. According to a statement, both discussed the prevailing situation as well as matters pertaining to law and order.
Ebad appreciated the cooperation extended by Malik on matters pertaining to law and order in the province and added that the minister always played an effective role towards removing impediments in political and administrative matters.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk