COAS commends Karachi Corps, Sindh Rangers for improved law and order

KARACHI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday lauded the efforts of Karachi Corps and Sindh Rangers in coordinating multi-agency efforts and performance of other law enforcing agencies, including the police, for improved law and order.

General Bajwa said that stable law and order in the country is only possible with effective writ of the state through implementation of state laws. The army chief said this while attending a special meeting of the Apex Committee Sindh at the headquarters of Karachi Corps. The ISPR statement said that the meeting was chaired by General Bajwa, while it was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah along with home minister, chief secretary, IGP Sindh as well as commander Karachi Corps, DG ISI, DG Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and other civil and military officials.

The forum was briefed about the law and order situation of Karachi and internal security matters of the province by concerned stakeholders. Progress on the National Action Plan (NAP) was reviewed and escape of high-profile terrorists from Central Jail, Karachi, with suggested corrective measures was also discussed.

The forum, while expressing satisfaction on improvement of law and order situation, impressed upon the requirement for persistent efforts to achieve durable peace and stability within the province. Areas requiring more focus to retain the peace dividends were identified for further progress to include police reforms, better coordination between federal and provincial authorities on NAP, expeditious completion of safe city project and the need for speedy prosecution beside others.

The forum reiterated the need for durable peace being quintessential for safety and security of the people and economic activities especially in the metropolis.The COAS lauded the efforts of Karachi Corps and Sindh Rangers in coordinating multi-agency efforts and performance of other law enforcing agencies, including police. The army chief directed all stakeholders to further improve synergy, reaction capability of law enforcement agencies, decision-making process and to hold the public office holders accountable.

Appreciating recent improvements in capability and capacity of Sindh Police, General Bajwa suggested improvements in its internal functioning to include induction on merit, availability of young trained leadership and strengthening of command. “Stable law and order in the country is only possible with effective writ of the state through implementation of state laws, its willing abidance by the public and across the board speedy dispensation of justice,” he said.“Despite considerable headway, we have a long way to go on these counts. The army shall continue to render its full support to all state institutions in this regard,” the COAS said.

APP adds: General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Panu Aqil Garrison on Tuesday.The army chief was briefed on operational preparedness and internal security matters, the ISPR said. Interacting with officers and soldiers, the COAS expressed his satisfaction on their state of preparedness and contributions towards internal security.

General Bajwa hailed their performance during the recently-conducted sixth population and housing census and other internal security tasks. He said that army shall continue its support to all state institutions for prosperity of the country and its people through selfless devotion and commitment. “Country comes first, self later”, the COAS said.

He said that Pakistan has come a long way towards success in its efforts against terrorism and militancy. “We shall now consolidate our gains to further strengthening of the state neutralising all negative stimulants,” the COAS reiterated.Earlier, on arrival at Panu Aqil, General Bajwa was received by Commander Karachi Corps Lieutenant General Shahid Baig Mirza and GOC Panu Aqil.