The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday asked the Sindh police chief to present a report on the progress of investigations into targeted killings, extortion's and other recent incidents, besides recording the statements of the 18 recovered people who were kidnapped by the outlaws.
The larger bench of apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, with members Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Justice Sarmard Jalal Osmani, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Ghulam Rabbani resumed the hearing of a suo motu case on Karachi unrest.
The court also showed displeasure over the unsatisfactory replies on investigation regarding the killing of advocate Murtaza Chinoy and asked for appointing DSP Siraj Lashari as an investigation officer to lead the probe. The court ordered the SP Tariq Dharejo would present the report of the case at the next proceedings.
The court asked IG Sindh Wajid Ali Durrani to submit a report regarding the targeted killings, extortionists, and related incidents and told Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq to present the intelligence agencies' report on the city's unrest by the next hearing.
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada completed his arguments and showed a serious concern over the lack of protection to witnesses and termed it a big issue. The Chief Justice remarked that there should be a way to find a solution to such problems. Pirzada said land and extortion mafia were present in the city, while feuds erupted between ethnic groups in different parts.
He said miscreants suddenly emerged in the metropolis and killed dozens of people. He said the government had taken every possible step to ensure peace in the city and Rangers and police were exerting their best efforts to maintain law and order. He told the court that from July 24, 2011 to August 24, 2011 some nine police officials had been killed while 29 others injured. He said the city had been witnessing the incidents of ethnic violence for the last 45 years.
He argued that democracy should not be allowed to derail. The Chief Justice assured him that only the Constitution of Pakistan would be upheld. The Chief Justice said media had played a key role in the restoration of democracy in the country.
The court turned down the plea of the President of Sindh High Court Bar Association, Anwar Mansoor Khan to hold the next proceedings of the case in Islamabad. On which, The Chief Justice said the nation had already suffered difficulties and the apex court would continue to hold the proceedings of the case in Karachi. He said the federal and provincial governments had the authority to overcome problems.
Lawyers of Sindh Bachao Tehreek, Mujeeb Pirzada and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Ghulam Qadir Jatoi also opposed the Anwar Mansoor Khan's plea. The court also approved the applications of Sindh Bachao Committee, JI, and Sindh United Party to become party to the suo motu case.
The Attorney General, Maulvi Anwar-ul-Haq and Advocate General Sindh Abdul Fitah Malik were present in the court. Abdul Hafeez Pirzada for Sindh government recorded his arguments. Former Federal Law Minister, Babar Awan also appeared before the court. Prosecutor General Sindh Shahadat Awan, Rasool Bux Paleejo, SUP's Jalal Mehmood Shah, JI's Muhammad Laiq Khan and ANP's Bashir Jan were also present. The court adjourned the proceedings till Monday, September 5, 2011.