Daily Times

KARACHI: The 19th provincial apex committee meeting was held on Monday at the Sindh CM House chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, during which it was decided that the crackdown against street crime and drug mafia in the city will be intensified.

CM Sindh said that the seriousness of his government to implementing National Action Plan (NAP) in true letter and spirit is evident from the fact that he is chairing 19th meeting of Apex committee on the first day of New Year but it is the federal government that has failed to implement some important portions of the plan.

The meeting was also attended by Provincial Minister Nisar Khuhro, Information advisor Maula Bax Chandio, IG Sindh Police AD Khowaja, Corps Commander Karachi, DG Rangers, Sindh Chief Secretary Rizwan Memon, Governor’s representative Sanaullah Abbasi and other top officials.

Home Secretary Shakeel Mangnijo while briefing the meeting said that in 2014 Numbeo, an international organization had placed Karachi in its `Crime and safety Index’ at number six but now it come down to number 31. “On this the chief minister said that the credit goes to this forum which plans, executes and has supported the targeted operation and have crushed the terrorists, target killers, extortionists and kidnappers. “Today is the first day of new year, 2018 and I have convened this meeting deliberately to give message to the people of this megalopolis city that the PPP government was starting the year with maintaining law and order and making further planning to make peace in the city sustainable.

According to spokesman of Chief Minister’s house, Secretary Mangnejo Secretary Home informed that so far sixteen terrorists have been executed whereas Sindh Legal Committee has cleared nine more cases for holding trials in the military courts.

The participants of the meeting were informed that Counter Terrorism Force has been established with the target of 2000 personnel and so far 700 have been recruited. The CTD has been provided 3G and 4G locators, it’s going to have access to NADRA database, set up anti-terrorism financing units, going to establish explosive Lab and the canine Unit is being set up.

It was decided in the meeting to write a letter to federal government for carrying out crackdown against the illegal weapon manufacturing factories and shops.

Addressing the meeting, Syed Murad Ali Shah made it clear that he wants Karachi free from street crime and advised the citizens to lodge complains on helpline of police and the Rangers regarding this menace.

He also directed police and Rangers to launch operation against the drug mafia in the city.

Syed Murad Ali Shah directed Home Secretary to shift Anti terrorism courts from Clifton to the Central Jail in Karachi.

Briefing the media men about the meeting Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Information Moula Bux Chandio said the members of the Committee expressed satisfaction over law and order in the province and the progress which has been achieved so far in the ongoing targeted operation in the Karachi.

He said peace has been restored in the city after sacrifices and hectic efforts of the law enforcement agencies and the Sindh government.