News
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Karachi action transparent, says Rehman MalikISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Friday said that the security situation in Karachi was absolutely fine as operation there was transparent and was taken without discrimination.
“There was no hindrance in the course of operation in the city. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have categorically directed me to launch operation without any discrimination with the sole objective to ensure peace and security to citizens,” he said this while talking to media after chairing a high level meeting at the Parliament Lodges.
The meeting was held following some threats to parliamentarians during which various measures were adopted to ensure fool-proof security in Parliament Lodges.
“It is very clear that there is no room for terrorists and extortionists. The operation against these elements is a must and it would continue with full force,” he said in reply to a question.
Rehman Malik stayed in Karachi for more than a month during the time the operation was conducted.
He said one can judge the transparency of the action that Lyari is considered to be a stronghold of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) but operation was conducted there without any fear that the party could lose its electoral support.
The minister said since coming into power more than three years ago, the government has been facing opposition and terrorism but “I salute my leadership which has always pursued wise policies and took action against those who were trying to disrupt peace in the country.”
He said this was the resolve of the president, the prime minister and at the same time the resolve of the parliament that the operation against “Bhatta Khor”, drug mafia and anti-state elements will continue until their complete eradication.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and a committee has been constituted by the parliament. I will present each and everything related to Karachi operation before the committee,” he said.
Replying to another question, he said the people arrested during the Karachi operation represented all political parties. “No party can recruit criminals, but this is common practice that in majority of cases, criminals commit crimes and later try to take refuge in their parties,” he added. Rehman Malik said before action, he had talked to all political parties. Even Awami National Party’s Shahi Syed and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Farooq Sattar had supported the operation as they wanted peace in the city.
The minister said before visiting Lyari, he received threats but he still visited the area. “I would not allow anyone to disturb peace and take “Bhatta”. As per information, he said every house in Lyari was paying Bhatta of Rs 75 to Rs 100 which will not be allowed at any cost in future.
Rehman Malik said he had briefed the Federal Cabinet on Thursday and presented horrible audio and videotapes with list of criminals, committing savage acts by killing innocent citizens.
“I appreciate the Frontier Constabulary, police and Rangers for doing a good job in controlling the situation and conducting the action to ensure peace in Karachi,” he told a questioner.
Malik said after assembling all these forces, he, the chief minister and home minister of Sindh planned and conducted the operation successfully.
The minister said the operation by civil forces was initially criticised but they all had shown commitment and efficiency. “We have shown the nation how capable our civil forces are,’ he added.
Answering another question, he said Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan were present everywhere in Pakistan, adding that even the banned organisation was also involved in Karachi carnage.
He said the government is giving priority to extending protection to each and every citizen, adding, “We are not talking about the security of VIPs but the entire population of the capital and other parts of the country.”
Talking about his visit to Attock, he said he went to Colonel Khalid Masood’s native home in Mir Khan to offer fateha and express sympathies with his family. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk