CM seeks explanation from DIGs as sectarian killings rise in city

Murad orders crackdown against people trying to create sectarian unrest in Karachi

In the wake of the murders in Karachi’s Central and East districts in the last few days, the Sindh chief minister sought an explanation from the DIGs of these areas on Saturday for their failure to stop target killings.

“This [the killings] shows that there is lethargy and that’s why target killers are roaming free and escape after killing people,” Murad Ali Shah observed while presiding over a meeting on the law and order situation at the Chief Minister’s House.

Briefing the chief minister, additional IG Karachi Mushtaq Maher said the initial inquiry showed that the same group was involved in the recent target killings and those in the past.

“They used the same pistol and only changed their motorcycle. I am further investigating the incidents and will submit a detailed report shortly,” he said.

The Karachi police chief said the incidents had taken place in the Central and East districts. The chief minister expressed his displeasure over the performance of the DIGs of the areas and directed the IGP to seek an explanation from them.

“Why were police not patrolling these sensitive areas? This is very serious matter that the criminals killed people in an area and after changing their motorcycle carried out an attack at another place without any fear of the police and other agencies. This is surprising and totally unacceptable,” the chief minister remarked.

Shah also said he did not care who police were going to take action against. “This is your duty to take criminals to task, I just want results,” he said. He also directed police to intensify their operation against drug dealers, street criminals and those trying to create sectarian unrest in the city.

IGP AD Khowja said there were some solid clues against the criminals involved in the target killings in the Central and East districts. “The criminals will be arrested within the next two days,” he added.

The chief minister directed him to start an operation as soon as possible.

Shah appreciated the police’s successful operation against drug dealers.

“When I had launched an anti-polio drive at the Ibrahim Hyderi hospital, the residents there had pointed out the activities of drug dealers in Ibrahim Hyderi, Rehri Goth and Lath Basti. I want you to launch an operation there too,” he directed the IGP.

Additional IG CTD Dr Sanaullah Abbasi said he had gathered solid information against the criminals involved in creating sectarian unrest in Karachi.

“We are going to take strict action for which a joint action by Rangers and police is being launched,” he assured Shah.

The chief minister said there were some reports that the business community was again receiving calls and letters from extortionists.

“I want strict action against extortionists and an inquiry conducted into the matter.”

Six people were killed in firing in the metropolis within a short span of one hour on Friday.

Police said three people were shot dead near Shafiq Morr and one person was killed and another injured in Patel Para.

Separately, a man was killed in Hyderi, North Nazimabad.

Sectarian outfit Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat had claimed that those killed at Shafiq Morr were its activists.  On October 29, five people were killed in firing at a majlis in Nazimabad.