KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed the presence of
Taliban in the mega city of Karachi where the jinx of target killing is
out of control from last three days.
Talking to the media, the
minister presented details of the raids taking place in various areas,
adding that the Baldia Town and Katti Pahari areas were the worst hit
by violence. He disclosed that 89 suspects have been arrested on
suspicion of being involved in the target killings. He said that out of
those arrested, 12 suspects are Urdu-speaking, 19 are Pathan and three
are Baloch. He did not specify the ethnic backgrounds of the remaining
suspects. He also said that the dead include very few
politically-affiliated activists.
Rehman Malik said that
according to intelligence reports Taliban were present in Katti Pahari
and other areas. He added that in some places where security forces
entered to apprehend the criminal elements, children and elderly
residents had been used by them as human shields. He stated that
security officials have ensured that no civilian lives are lost during
the raids.
However, Malik admitted that security forces faced
challenges in some areas due to power outages. He said that
intelligence has been increased three fold to monitor the Karachi
situation and separate areas have been designated to FC, Rangers and
police personnel. “We want protection for every street of Karachi,”
said Malik, adding that information received with the help of Google
maps and satellite imaging has been helpful.
“There is someone
who is trying to destabilize Pakistan,” the minister told journalists
repeatedly. He added that he believes all political parties have
realized that there is indeed a “third force” behind the violence.
He
said that the terrorists target Karachi as it is the hub of economic
activity, and that “enemies are targeting it because it is of strategic
importance.” Malik appealed to journalists to stay clear of areas where
security forces are conducting raids.
He said that the security
officials have been given orders to prevent journalists from entering
an area where an operation is taking place. He urged the media to
sensationalize news and requested that they show more sensitivity to
the situation. “I request that the media not update the death toll like
a cricket score – be a little sensitive. He added that journalists
should take official information that will be provided by the IG Sindh. Online
