14 May 2004	Friday	23 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 13: The law and order situation obtaining in Sindh came under review at a high level meeting held at the CM's House here on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sardar Ali Mohammad Mahar.

The meeting particularly discussed the situation arising during the Wednesday's by-elections in three districts. Karachi is the city of peace and Sindh is the citadel of love and fraternity, the CM observed, and declared that the government would not permit anyone to take law into his hands.

He issued strict directives to the administration, police and other law-enforcement agencies to bring improvement in law and order and take immediate action against those found responsible for disturbing the situation.

The CM ordered a judicial inquiry into the Wednesday's incident in Sanghar and called for a report within three days. Further action, he said, would be taken in the light of the report.

Regretting the killings during the by-elections, the meeting sympathized with the families of those who lost their lives. The meeting decided immediate suspension of TPO of Baldia Noor Ahmed Pachuho, TPO of Liaquatabad Tahir Naveed and SHOs of Liaquatabad and Baldia.

The CM issued special instructions to the chief secretary, IG and ACS Home for submitting a detailed report about incidents, and situation caused thereof, on the occasion of the by-elections.

The meeting discussed different factors and issues, and took a number of decisions in this regard. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkil Kazi, IG Syed Kamal Shah, ACS Home Syed Anwar Hyder, Minister for Fisheries Manzoor Panhwar, Special Assistant Dr Karim Mahar and others.

IGP: Inspector General Syed Kamal Shah has ordered an inquiry into various incidents which took place during by-elections on Wednesday and claimed many lives, besides leaving scores of others injured.

He observed that prior to the by-elections, meetings were held at all command levels, discussions carried out on security requirements and a security plan was issued, but despite this, serious security lapses occurred on the day.

The IG appointed an inquiry committee to look into the causes that led to the security lapses, fix responsibility and recommend action against the officers responsible for laxity, slackness and dereliction of duty.

Headed by Additional IG Asad Jehangir Khan as its Chairman, the committee will comprise Saud Ahmed (DIG Training and Inspection) and Ajmal Khan Magsi (SSP Security, Special Branch) as members. The committee has been directed to complete the inquiry and submit its report by May 24 for further action. -APP