During a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior Affairs Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, who is the in-charge of the home ministry, vowed to thwart the activities of the “Parchi mafia”. Those extorting citizens through Parchis could be detained under the Maintenance of Public Order law. It was also decided that FIRs would be lodged against those supporting the mafia and other criminals.

Malik and Shah observed that the chief justice of Pakistan had already directed that the people or organisations intending to collect the Fitra in a legitimate manner should set up tents for that purpose. Groups plying vehicles would not be allowed to collect Fitra. It was pointed out that details about the Parchi mafia have been gathered and police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to act accordingly.

The provincial chief executive noted that a decrease had been witnessed in target killing and extortion cases and these activities would further reduce in the coming days.

He appreciated the traders and businessmen’s cooperation with the government in dealing with extortionists. “Some extortionists and target killers have been arrested.”

 

Shah informed Malik that the provincial government had contacted all political parties and religious groups to ensure peace during Ramazan.

SHOs to be responsible

Noting that the holy month would be a major challenge for the law enforcement agencies, the adviser and the chief minister announced that SHOs would be held responsible for any law and order problem in their respective areas.

 

It was also decided that the IGP and all agencies under the police department including the Crime Investigation Department and the Special Branch should make all-out efforts for curbing criminal activities. Special measures would be adopted during Ramazan to protect the lives and properties of citizens. Police and Rangers would increase patrolling during the holy month and set up pickets. Surprise raids would also be conducted against criminals.

10,000 more cops for city

Malik and Shah decided to increase the number of policemen in the city by 10,000 and equip the force with the latest equipment. The chief minister observed that Karachi was a thickly populated city and a police force of between 25,000 and 30,000 personnel was insufficient for the city. “Therefore, 10,000 more police personnel are being inducted into the force. Criminals possess advanced weapons and the Sindh police department is also making efforts to provide its personnel with latest arms.” Shah added that President Asif Ali Zardari had assured the provincial government that latest weapons would be supplied to police for prompt action against target killers and extortionists.

Media restraint urged

The adviser and the chief minister asked the media to exercise restraint while reporting about target killings in the city, as “not all murders were targeted”. They were of the view that misreporting facts created panic among the public.

Malik assured Shah that all federal government agencies would help the provincial government bring the law and order situation in Karachi under control. Shah thanked the interior ministry for its cooperation with the provincial government.

Key decisions

* Those extorting citizens through Parchis can be detained under the Maintenance of Public Order

* SHOs to be held responsible for law and order problems in their respective areas

* Number of cops in the city to be increased to 10,000, police to be equipped with latest weapons

* Media asked to exercise restraint while reporting about target killings as ‘not all murders targeted’