ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed on Thursday that the targeted operation in Karachi has entered into second phase in order to restore the law and order situation.
During question hour on Thursday, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that main reasons of target killings in Karachi are ethnic‚ sectarian‚ fighting among various politico-religious groups‚ land grabbing under the umbrella of political parties and turf war among different groups also believed to be backed by major political parties.
The interior minister told the House that since September 5 around 9,000 criminals have been arrested in 677 targeted raids in Karachi. He said so far 36,293 ammunition‚ and 1,252 other weapons have been recovered.
Nisar said Karachi police in coordination with Sindh Rangers and intelligence agencies has also carried out 5,077 raids and 9,000 criminals have been arrested. He said 330 encounters have also taken place in which 34 criminals were killed.
The minister said that a committee headed by Chief Minister Sindh has been constituted to review the law and order situation in Karachi whereas an operational committee comprising DG Rangers‚ IG police Sindh and representatives of intelligence agencies has also been working on ground.
Lauding the role of political parties and intelligence agencies‚ Nisar said some elements have tried to damage the joint efforts of political parties‚ however‚ all of them have played constructive role in controlling Karachi situation despite the fact that there were some legitimate reservations of the political parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
Nisar said the disturbing area comprises around 20 percent of the whole city‚ however‚ fallout of law and order situation affects other areas.
Replying to a question‚ the minister excused to disclose the timeframe of the operation due to security reasons. He‚ however‚ said operation has entered into second phase. He said the objectives of the operation have met as significant decrease in events of target killings and extortions has been recorded.
