PM Nawaz orders LEAs to abolish no-go areas in Karachi

KARACHI: Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif ordered law enforcement and intelligence agencies to abolish the existing no-go areas in the metropolis at any cost, Geo News reported.

After chairing a high-level meeting with the officials of law enforcement agencies and the intelligence agencies at the Governor House, PM Nawaz Sharif ordered the concerned authorities to deal with the no-go areas in Karachi with an iron hand.

During the meeting, the members deliberated over the administrative and legal complications surrounding the law and order issue in the metropolis. Sources told that the Prime Minister discussed the joint strategy options while expanding intelligence mechanism to identify and find the accused also came under discussion.

PM Nawaz said that the Supreme Court’s order pertaining to Karachi law and order will be implemented in letter and spirit, and that the time to present excuses had lapsed.

Showing his concern over the situation, the premier said that he cannot keep his eyes and ears shut over the deteriorating situation in the city. He instructed the law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies to act promptly against the identified miscreants’ groups. He ordered the civil institutions to ensure action on information provided by the intelligence agencies.

Nawaz Shairf said that unbiased and strategic operation will be conducted to restore peace in the biggest business hub of the country. He further informed that decision to introduce reforms in the anti-terrorism laws has also been finalized. With the prevalent laws, its impossible to restore peace, he said.

PM Nawaz said that the extraordinary situation demands extraordinary steps.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid, DG ISI, DG Rangers, DG IB and Chief Secretary Sindh along with other relevant officials attended the session.

A special session of the federal cabinet will meet today at Governor House at 2:00 pm to review the recommendations pertaining to control the law and order situation of Karachi.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad will also attend the meeting of the federal cabinet.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) was invited to attend the special session of the federal cabinet, however, the invitation was withdrawn later.

MQM expressing reservations over withdrawal of the invitation, rejected the offer given by the prime minister to holding one-on-one meeting with the party’s parliamentary leader Dr Farooq Sattar.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, MQM’s Coordination Committee member Khalid Maqbool said that the provincial government has failed to maintain law and order in the city.

“The hopes of the people of Karachi have been trampled upon by withdrawing the invitation,” he said.