Federal Cabinet has endorsed decision of the Sindh Government for targeted and across the board operation in nine areas of Karachi.
The cabinet meeting was held in Islamabad on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
The cabinet was of the view that in the present circumstances it
would not be advisable to call in Army in Karachi and operation should
be carried out with the support of Rangers, Police and intelligence
apparatus.
Later, briefing newsmen, Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said the Prime Minister expressed reservations
over the on-going debate over media about the need to call in army in
Karachi. She said at a time when we are in the process of strengthening
democratic institutions, it would not be appropriate to involve army in
addressing law and order situations. Rangers is also a subordinate
force of the Army and the objective would be achieved by ensuring its
capacity building.
The Minister said the cabinet decided that an across the board
operation would be carried out against all criminals irrespective of
any political interests or expediencies. All those responsible for
creating law and order situation would be presented before media. An
operation room has been established in Karachi to keep an update on the
latest situation and ensure action against criminals.
She said the nine areas where operation is being carried out, have a
population of 3.5 to 5 million and the Government would not allow a
handful of elements to make these areas hostage to their acts of
sabotage and terrorism.
She said all facts would be brought before media and people of Pakistan so that cancer of violence is eliminated from Karachi.
The Minister said the cabinet decided that the Federal Government
would support all initiatives of the Sindh Government and provide every
possible assistance for restoration of peace in the city.
The cabinet noted that Karachi being lifeline for the country’s
economy, we should not adopt a non-serious attitude towards the Karachi
issue.
The Information Minister urged media to also demonstrate maturity in
view of the sensitive nature of the Karachi issue. She said the
Government would welcome identification of administrative failures but
there should be no religious or sectarian angles.
The Cabinet also decided that the coming Jumatul Wida (Last Friday
of Ramadan) would be dedicated to peace in Karachi and well being of
the country. It appealed to Ulema to play their role in promoting
harmony and unity among different segments of the society and offer
special prayers on the occasion for peace in Karachi and progress and
prosperity of the country.
The Prime Minister briefed the cabinet in detail about initiatives
of the Government for restoration of peace and said they are determined
to ensure protection of life and property of the citizens in Karachi.
He said the situation in Karachi did not deteriorate in just few years,
rather the root causes are spread over decades. He said the situation
in Karachi is a great source of concern for all and it is top priority
of the Government to stop those who are trying to destabilize Pakistan.
The cabinet gave directions for presentation of a road map after Eid
for restructuring of public sector organizations including Pakistan
Railways.
It also directed the concerned ministries to ensure timely supply of
fertilizer and take measures against black-marketing. It also decided
to waive of 3.5 percent tax imposed on agricultural produce in the
budget.
The Cabinet directed provincial governments to ensure supply of
essential commodities during Ramdan and Eidul Fitr and take effective
measures for price control.
The meeting also approved two projects in power sector – Nandipur
project and Chichunki Malyanwala with a combined capacity of one
thousand megawatts of electricity. SANA
