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Karachi situation improving gradually

There is recession

in atmosphere of

terror: Shah

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Abdullah Shah has said that law and order situation in Karachi was improving gradually and there had been recession in the atmosphere of terror and harassment.

Replying to newsmen's questions at a press conference by Interior Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd) Nasirullah Khan Babar, here on Saturday, the chief minister observed that as far as law and order was concerned the situation was gradually heading towards improvement.

He recalled the last strike by MQM when, he had pointed out, the roads looked deserted. But it was not like that this time. Traffic was moving and shops in many areas remained open.

"We have twisted the arm of terrorists although not broken," Abdullah Shah said.

He said a number of terrorists have been either caught or killed in Karachi.

As regards interior of Sindh, he said, the police and administration have gained successes against dacoits.

The chief minister pointed out that victims of PIA kidnapping incident have returned whereas police were after the dacoits who had kidnapped four bus passengers from his constituency a few days back.

He said the dacoits have been identified. One of them was Maula Bux alias Mauloo and another one was Panhwar. He said they are learnt to have taken refuge in Balochistan.

Abdullah Shah said he has talked to Balochistan Government and the police there, is reported to have surrounded the dacoits in the hills.

The Sindh Chief Minister said that unlike the past, when police kept sleeping in the commissioning of a crime, was now giving hot pursuits to dacoits and criminals.

He pointed out that Interior Minister Nasirullah Khan Babar had been here only because of "mini insurgency" here and not for simple law and order problem.

He disclosed that some such persons had been arrested who were non-Muslims.

When asked to identify, the chief minister said they were perhaps Indians caught from upcountry.

He said, "We are fighting the war of Pakistan on the land of Karachi," and the Federal Government is helping us in this regard. "Ice has been broken and ultimately success will be achieved," he said.

The chief minister declared that there can be no compromise with the terrorists. He said we are prepared to discuss issues with MQM Altaf Group but with no compromise on terrorism.

He pointed out that we have been telling them to disown terrorists but whenever a terrorist was killed, they owned him as their worker.

Despite this we want to sit with them for the sake of peace in Karachi, he added.

To a question the chief minister categorically stated that no case against Altaf Group will be withdrawn. It will be a double standard that cases against those who wield influence are dropped and those who have no resources may face law.

He pointed out that any demand from Altaf Group which related to crime will not be acceptable. He said there were several issues that can be discussed except for release of criminals.

Replying to another question, Abdullah Shah said that government has registered cases against Altaf Hussain for abetment to violence during strike. He said cases have been registered for murders and arsoning.-APP