Karachi: The Sindh government decided on Tuesday to launch a full-scale operation against criminals and terrorists within 72 hours and allowed the Frontier Constabulary to exercise police powers in the city.
 The Rangers are already exercising police powers, including the authority to carry out raids and arrests, in the city.
 The home department on Tuesday issued a notification, which states: “In pursuance of Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan’s notification dated 2nd August, 2011 Government of Sindh grant powers of police to Frontier Constabulary personnel deployed in Karachi to apprehend the criminal elements involved in firing and killing of innocent citizens in various areas and zones of the city (where situation warrants employment of the FC). They are authorized to cordon, search and use force in controlling firing by the criminals in effected areas.”
 The government also directed the Rangers and the police to get ready to implement its action plan, which was said to be indiscriminate and based on surveillance reports.
 It was also decided that a cash reward of Rs5 million would be given to those who could identify a killer.
 A cash reward of Rs10 million would be given to those who could provide photographs or video footage of a killer. The identity of those who provided this information would be kept secret.
 The decisions were taken at a meeting held here at the Chief Minister’s House to review the city’s law and order. The meeting was jointly chaired by CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Interior Minister Rehman Malik, who specially arrived here on the instructions of President Asif Ali Zardari to help the provincial government to control the fast deteriorating situation.
 The CM and the interior minister appealed to the leadership of all the political parties to come forward and play their role by helping the law-enforcers to bring a durable peace to Karachi.
 While reviewing the overall law and order situation, the chief minister directed the police, Rangers and other law-enforcement agencies to make concerted efforts to curb the activities of criminals, anti-state elements and terrorists, who he said wanted to destabilise the country, particularly the province.
 Inspector General of Police Wajid Ali Durrani gave a detailed presentation to the meeting and said that 91 suspects allegedly involved in 191 targeted killings had been arrested.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 3 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 4 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST