KARACHI - Under the recently-promulgated Tahaffuz-e-Pakistan Ordinance, the Sindh government on Sunday empowered Rangers to gun down culprits on offering resistance.
According to sources in Rangers, a notification has been issued in this regard which enabled Rangers personnel to keep suspects in their custody for three months for interrogation after producing them in a court within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah took serious notice of the killings of innocent people including police sub-inspector Muhammad Amin in Karachi. He directed the IG Police and Karachi Additional IGP to take stern action against the perpetrators, bring them to justice. He reiterated his firm resolve to continue the ongoing targeted operation against terrorists, target killers, extortionists and anti-social elements till the city peace is established.
The CM said that Karachi is the country’s economic hub, and restoration of law and order is the top priority of the provincial government. “Karachi will be made once again the city of lights,” he said while lauding the performance and achievements of Rangers and Police in the on-going targeted operation.
The Sindh CM directed the IGP to increase police patrolling, ensure strict checking at exit and entrance points of the city and beefing up security at main roundabouts, roads, mosques, Imam Bargahs, business and commercial centres of the metropolis. He also directed for strictly implementing the security plan constituted for Muharramul Haram and ensuring foolproof security for mourning processions and congregations across the province.
Qaim appealed to the nation for extending full support and cooperation to foil conspiracies being hatched by the anti-state elements. He added that such elements would not be tolerated at any cost, and their nefarious designs would never turn fruitful. He also stressed upon religious scholars to play their role for establishing inter-sect harmony. The CM expressed his profound grief over the Saturday’s killings and condoled with the heirs of the victims.
Meanwhile, two alleged gangsters were killed during the ongoing gang war while another succumbed to a shootout with the law enforcers in Lyari on Sunday. Lyari continued echoing with gunshots and explosions and routine life remained suspended in the area.
Police officials said that two gangsters were killed in the ongoing war between Baba Ladla and Uzair Baloch groups while another was killed during an encounter with the law enforcers.
A gangster was killed in a firing incident in Bihar Colony and another was gunned down in Koila Goodown area while third suspect was shot dead by the law enforcers in Chakiwara locality. Separately, Rangers personnel managed to recover an abducted person during a raid at the hideout of Lyari gangster Faisal Pathan. There were some unconfirmed reports that Faisal Pathan was also killed in the encounter. However, police officials concerned denied the report saying Faisal managed to escape under the cover of firing. At one side, Lyari gangsters are attacking each other with heavy weapons including hand-grenades and rockets, and on the other side, Rangers and Police personnel are also taking action against the criminals.
“At this stage, we don’t have any idea which group the deceased gangsters belonged to,” DSP Shakeel Ahmed said adding, “Both groups are attacking each other and we are also taking action against them.” Meanwhile, four gangsters whose bodies were found late on Saturday were identified as Nisar alias Captain Nisari, his brother Riaz Niazi, Abdullah alias Pathan and Wasim.
According to police officials, the deceased gangsters were associated with Uzair Baloch and Nisar was the operational commander for Baldia Town locality. Uzair Baloch had called them to fight against his rival Baba Ladla. However, Ladla and his men kidnapped them and later threw their bodies. Nisar was wanted to police in more than 50 different cases.