Sindh minister slams MQM-P for demanding army deployment in Karachi

• Lanjar says it'll take "some time" for situation to come under control.
• "No criminal will be spared," he says; claims police taking action.
• Minister says army only called in during war-like situation.
  

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar Tuesday slammed the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) over their statement demanding that Karachi be handed over to the Pakistan Army owing to its worsening law and order situation.

The minister also termed statements made by MQM-P leaders as a stunt for cheap fame, adding that the army is only called in during a war-like situation.

"According to the Constitution, there is a procedure for calling the army. The army is only called in during a situation of war," said Lanjar, responding to the statements amid the city's deteriorating law and order situation.

A day earlier, MQM-P leader Syed Mustafa Kamal demanded that Karachi be handed over to Pakistan Army for three months to control the rising rate of crimes in the city.

"Karachi should be handed over to the army for three months as the Sindh government is not serious in providing protection to the life and property of citizens,” the politician said in a statement, questioning Lanjar why the police were not taking action to apprehend street criminals.

While citizens remain vulnerable to street crimes in Karachi, the home minister said he is satisfied with the city's law and order situation, adding that it will take some time for it to come under control.

The minister also claimed that action was taken by the police against criminals with several accused arrested in the last few days.

"No criminal will be spared," the minister maintained.

Lanjar added that action will also be taken against the police officer in the area where the crime is committed.

A day earlier, Geo News reported the killing of at least 19 citizens during mugging incidents in the holy month of Ramadan.

As per the report, 6,780 street crime incidents took place in Karachi in one month, while 20 vehicles were snatched and more than 130 others stolen.

The report further revealed that 830 motorcycles were snatched and 4,200 others stolen during Ramadan. Whereas, the number of mobile phones snatched was 1,600, it said.

Speaking about the issue of dacoits in kaccha areas of Sindh, the minister said that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ghulam Nabi Memon is currently in Ghotki to observe the situation.

"The government will give the dacoits of kaccha areas a chance to surrender," he said.