The government of Sindh has banned rallies and processions across the violence-hit city for 30 days with immediate effect under Section 144 CrPC. Moreover, police that claim to have arrested 195 accused for targeted killings and arson in the city would hold regular press briefings to pass on correct information on law and order situation.
This was decided in a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik at Central Police Office on Friday. The meeting was attended among others by Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, IG Police Sultan Salahuddin Babar Khattak, CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed, Additional IG, CID, DIGs of east, west and south zones, DIG Investigation, CCP, DIGP Head Quarters, Ghulam Nabi Memon and AIG Operations Sindh Javed Ahmed Odho.
Police informed the meeting that so far some 195 people had been arrested for involvement in targeted killings and arson. Also, police recovered one LMG, 176 pistols, six Kalashnikovs, two rifles, three daggers and 710 rounds from the suspects. It was decided that police would hold regular press conferences to pass on correct information about the law and order situation and police performance with special reference to arrests of culprits and recovery of arms and ammunitions.
During the meeting, the interior minister stressed upon the law enforcement agencies to adopt strict measures to establish the writ of law and secure the life and property of innocent citizens. Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza directed to ensure the posting of police officers/personnel having professional acumen and impartial attitude to ensure arrest of those involved in killings of peaceful citizens and destroying property.
Meanwhile, according to an official statement the Sindh government has under Section 144 CrPC imposed ban on all sorts of rallies/processions through the violence-hit city for 30 days with immediate effect. Funeral processions would, however, be an exception, the statement said. It warned that any contravention of the government order would attract penal action under Section 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.