Daily Times

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that the kidnapping of advocate Owais Ali Shah and killing of prominent qawwal Amjad Sabbri are big challenges for the Sindh government to work out.

Speaking at the special cabinet meeting on law and order here at Chief Minister’s House on Tuesday, he said that both the incidents had upset the confidence of the citizens which would be restored. “We will have to recover the barrister and arrest killers of Amjad Sabri,” he said, adding that solid steps will be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The meeting was attended by all cabinet ministers. However, the chief minister said that hard work and dedication of law enforcement agencies had helped the government restore peace in the city. “We have strengthened our forces – both police and Rangers – and also encouraged our intelligence agencies through rewards. I must appreciate that everyone has done a wonderful job, but we have to do more with a new spirit and close coordination,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Sindh police Inspector General (IG) AD Khawaja briefed the participants on the kidnapping of Owais Ali Shah, son of Sindh High Court (SHC) chief justice through the maps of the route right from the Sindh High Court to Super Market.

He said that the police conducted a number of raids and arrested some suspects. The kidnappers were trying to misguide the law enforcement agencies by switching on and switching off the cell phone of
Owais Shah.

“We still believe that he [Owais Shah] has been kept in Karchi and we will soon recover him safe and sound,” the IG assured. Talking about Amjad Sabri’s killers, the inspector general said that the law enforcement agencies were very close to the killers. “The police and other agencies are working closely and will give results anytime soon,” he said.

The chief minister also ordered the chief secretary and IG to upgrade CCTV cameras all over the city and install more where necessary. “I want CCTV coverage of the entire city,” he said, adding that command and control centers must be responsive to keep an eagle eye instead of just sending reports to the authorities concerned.

He directed the IG to recruit more force. “I am authorising you to appoint constables and ASI on merit,” he said.

The chief minister also directed finance minister to arrange funds so that the courts and residences of the judges being constructed in the Central jail could be done on war footings. “It is our responsibility to provide adequate security to the judges of the Supreme Court, high court and ATC,” he said, adding that terrorists have started harassing judges by attacking them and their children.

He directed the IG and chief secretary to chalk out a plan for the security of judges, their families and other important communities and people. “I urge you to take the chief justices concerned into confidence while preparing the security plan,” he said.

The chief minister also directed the IG to start producing necessary gadgets and equipments whatever he needed. “I would provide you funds,” he said. Later, the chief minister thanked Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif for taking personnel interest in restoring peace in the city.