KARACHI - Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction on Thursday over a report submitted by the Sindh government on implementing the court’s orders in Karachi law and order case.
During the Thursday’s hearing of the case which was being heard in the apex court’s Karachi registry, the bench pointed out that their written order had specifically mentioned that those involved in the city’s violence were being sponsored by the political parties. The bench, headed by Justice Jawwad Khawaja, asked the Sindh advocate-general to submit in writing before the court that he was ‘helpless’ as far as political parties’ involvement in Karachi violence was concerned.
While asking the Sindh advocate general to acknowledge political parties’ involvement, Justice Khawaja further said that months had passed but Karachi’s law and order situation had shown no improvement whatsoever.
The deputy attorney general, however, pointed out that improving the security situation in Karachi was the job of the provincial government, not the federal government.
Justice Khawaja remarked that it seems as if the authorities are not taking the matter seriously and the court is carrying out a meaningless drill. He said that the report did not include that the people involved in terrorism have support from the political parties.
He observed that the concerned authority did not even attempt to answer that which means that they are accepting political interference behind deteriorating security situation in the city.
Rejecting previous reports of the provincial government on Wednesday, the court sought a comprehensive report from the Sindh IG and chief secretary on the law and order situation in Karachi in light of its decisions, latest by today.
Inspector General Sindh Police told the Bench the police have arrested 3,000 proclaimed offenders and more than 20,000 absconders in Karachi.
He said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has banned the recruitment of 7,500 police personnel due to the forthcoming general elections. He submitted the capacity of ASIs was being enhanced after setting graduation as mandatory education for their appointment.
Justice Hussain said that the police department has confessed in its report that over 22,000 absconding offenders are roaming free in the city. “How then can the life of a common citizen be saved? How can free elections be ensured under the worst law and order situation? Who should we blame? We see no hope of peace in the city,” he said.
He remarked the provincial government should give an advertisement stating that people should come out of their homes at their own risk. Prosecutor General Sindh Shahadat Awan apprised the court that there are 22,535 proclaimed offenders and absconders present in the city.
Justice Khawaja questioned the prosecutor general why the authorities have not taken any action so far to arrest these offenders. He remarked that the government is responsible if the citizens’ life and property are not safe.
He told the police to admit that they are unable to arrest the offenders and criminals. The SC scolded the senior police officials who produced reports on the law-enforcement agencies’ performance in dealing with criminals.