KARACHI: Delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan met President Asif Ali Zardari and expressed grave concern over increasing street crimes in Karachi and police’s failure to curb them.

Khalid Maqbool-led MQM-P delegation comprises Mustafa Kamal and Farooq Sattar called on President Zardari, who chaired meeting on law and order in Sindh, especially Karachi. Meeting was attended by Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and officials.

During meeting, President Zardari directed authorities concerned to take effective steps to control street crimes in Sindh especially Karachi.

He directed Sindh Chief Minister to complete all ongoing development projects in province at earliest including Ghotki-Kandhkot Bridge.

Sources informed that MQM-P and PPP ended their deadlock and agreed to hold political talks. Party will hold talks with all political parties on public and political issues, sources said. MQM delegation regretted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s behaviour, with sources quoting party saying that it changed its political strategy following Centre’s ill response.

It also expressed concern over rising street crime in city and recommended measures to curb it.

Meanwhile, MQM-P spokesperson in statement said delegation called on political parties to develop strategy to address challenges facing country. Delegation expressed concern over loss of precious lives and property due to street crime and requested President to use his influence to restore peace in Karachi.

MQM spokesperson said that party is ready to play its role in resolving issues of urban Sindh and is willing to work with other political parties to address challenges facing province. Asif Zardari directed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to launch large-scale operation against street criminals in Karachi, dacoits in katcha area, and drug traffickers throughout province in close coordination with other provinces.

“I have zero tolerance for illegal occupation of lands, and it must be stopped once and for all,” he stated to CM.  He urged CM to provide posting tenure to police officers, monitor their performance and remove them when they fail to deliver.

Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Minister Energy Nasir Shah, Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, PSCM Agha Wasif, DG Rangers Maj.

Gen Azhar Waqas, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, Chairman P&D Najam Shah, Secretary to President Shakeel Malik, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, provincial heads of different agencies, Director FIA Zaeem Shaikh were present.

President Zardari said that stolen/snatched vehicles and mobile phones were sold in market in parts which was not secret to police and others. Why police was not taking operations against markets and people involved in business of stolen/snatched vehicles and mobile sets, he questioned.

President directed to intensify ongoing operation against dacoits. He emphasised that anyone involved or behind kidnapping cases must be dealt with severely to set an example for others.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 02 2024

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