Action against Mirza afoot: Wassan

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KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Ahmed Wassan Wednesday said that action against former Sindh home minister Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza has been initiated, Geo News reported.

"People's Party has no association with those who issue statements in personal capacity," the Home Minister said while addressing a news conference here at Sindh Secretariat.

He ruled out any ‘army operation’ against criminals in Karachi, stating paramilitary forces and police were endeavoring jointly to restore peace in the city.

Wassan said police had nabbed 43 target killers after formation of strategy against criminals in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister held on August 22.

“We have now ordered Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) worth Rs 5 billion for law enforcement agencies, besides bullet proof jackets and helmets for use in operation against criminals,” said the Home Minister.

Recounting steps taken by the government to restore law and order in Karachi, Wassan said the provincial government had formed Joint Investigation Team (JIT) in all five zones of Karachi –South, East, Central, West and Malir – for taking indiscriminate action criminal elements.

“Since the government held a joint meeting taking all stakeholders and law enforcement agencies onboard, the law and order is restored and desired results are being attained,” he added.

Home Minister said police had so far arrested 782 accused involved in various crimes besides 189 weapons recovered. He mentioned rangers had apprehended 457 criminals while so far only 19 of them were handed over to police for prosecution.

PPP disowns Mirza's allegations: Manzoor Wassan brushed aside the allegations of former Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Mirza, saying it had no concern with the policy of Pakistan Peoples’ Party.

Without naming him, he said those alleging government for having released target killers during last 3 years should tell a reason for keeping mum over this sensitive matter. “I have seen many workers joining and leaving party, however PPP do not own statements given by individuals defying the policies of the party,” he underscored.

He recalled that PPP government was toppled in the past over unfounded allegations, adding the same party has now completed more than 42 months of rule due to its ‘reconciliation policy’.