‘Assassination attempt on Dahar being investigated thoroughly’

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Monday said the assassination attempt on Pakistan Peoples Party MPA Jam Mehtab Dahar is being investigated from every angle.

Talking to the media outside the provincial assembly, Lanjar said police have been directed to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation. “I can’t support or oppose anyone; police are investigating the matter.”

He said Dahar was subjected to a dangerous attack, and his sympathies are with the lawmaker. Police will conduct a thorough inquiry, and everything will come to light after the investigation, he added.

Admitting that street crime in Karachi usually intensifies ahead of Eid, Lanjar said it is being controlled, and police are fully alert. The city police chief has been instructed that police must be visible on the streets, he added.

“We have controlled street crime incidents in Karachi to a great extent. Moreover, there have been encounters with robbers. Crime has also been brought under control to a considerable extent in the Kutcha areas. The operation there has eliminated the lairs of robbers.”

He said the Sindh police have been alerted after the attacks in Balochistan, and security has been increased. Snap checking and patrolling have been increased in Karachi, and other measures have also been taken, he added.

“The people that live in Balochistan are almost the same as those that live in Sindh. We have held meetings with police after the situation in Balochistan. Police and security agencies are keeping a close eye on the situation.”

Security plan

Sindh Rangers chief Maj Gen Muhammad Shamrez chaired a security conference at the Rangers’ headquarters to review the overall law and order situation of Karachi.

The meeting also reviewed the special security plan for Yaum-e-Ali, the last 10 days of Ramazan, Chandraat and Eidul Fitr. Officials were told to intensify joint operations against habitual criminals, and further tighten checking at the city’s entry and exit points.

The officials were told to ensure complete compliance with the prevailing laws and code of conduct in the light of the orders issued. The meeting also reviewed the strategy for ensuring law and order, and keeping a close watch on any kind of hatred, forced Fitra or Zakat, and extremism.