Daily Times

KARACHI/PANNU AQUIL: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Tuesday stressed the need to hold public office holders accountable.

Chairing a special meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee held at Headquarters Karachi Corps, the COAS directed all stakeholders to further improve synergy, reaction capability of law enforcement agencies, decision making process and holding the public office holders accountable.

“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,” the COAS told the meeting, adding, “Despite considerable headway, we have a long way to go on these counts. Army shall continue to render its full support to all state institutions in this regard.”

The forum was briefed about law and order situation in Karachi and internal security matters of the province by stakeholders concerned, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Progress on national action plan was reviewed and escape of high profile terrorists from Karachi Central Jail 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,” according to the statement. 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 army chief lauded efforts of Karachi Corps and Sindh Rangers in coordinating the multi-agency efforts and performance of other law enforcing agencies including police.

Appreciating recent improvements in capability and capacity of Sindh police, the COAS suggested improvements in its internal functioning to include induction on merit, availability of young trained leadership and strengthening of command. Separately during his visit to Panuaqil Garrison, Gen Bajwa said that army will continue its support to all state institutions for prosperity of Pakistan and its people through selfless devotion and commitment.

“Country comes first, self later,” the COAS remarked while interacting with officers and soldiers during his visit, according to the ISPR.

The COAS was briefed on operational preparedness and internal security matters. He expressed his satisfaction on the state of preparedness of security forces and their contributions towards internal security.

Published in Daily Times, July 5^th , 2017.