12 June 2004	Saturday	23 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, June 11: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has called for a comprehensive and coordinated strategy, as well as effective measures, to control law and order in the province.

He also stressed on keeping a vigilant eye on criminals, terrorists and anti-state elements, saying: "They should be eliminated, or arrested and brought before justice."

Presiding over a high-level meeting held here on Friday to review obtaining law and order situation, the chief minister said that while reviewing the growing acts of terrorism, the background facts, too, should be kept in view.

The meeting was attended by chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), information secretary, principal secretary, Brig Ajmal of Corps Headquarters, IGP, DIGs of Special Branch and CID, DG Rangers, CCPO, senior officials of ISI and MI and joint DG of IB.

Dr Arbab said that the law-enforcement agencies would be strengthened further so that they could be able to combat anti-state forces in an effective manner.

He emphasized the need for streamlining the security system in Karachi on modern lines, and said that various departments be made more functional to get better results.

The CM said that the strength of police force in Karachi would be increased and its requirements would be met. He called for maintaining a strict check on criminals' movement at all entry and exit points of Karachi.

He held out the assurance that police would be equipped with required weapons and provided mobility and other facilities, including wireless sets. He said he himself would be monitoring the situation, and asked the IGP to chalk out short- and long-term planning in this regard.

DIRECTIVES: Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, taking serious note of public complaints, issued directives on Friday for corrective measures with regard to utilities, taxes, etc.

In the wee hours, he rang up police officials of Hyderabad and Sukkur regions to inquire about the law and order in their respective areas and directed them to carry out snap-checking at all the exit and entry points of their regions to nab suspected elements and detain their vehicles.

He also appealed to people to cooperate with the police and do not feel offended when asked to get their vehicles checked because, he maintained, such steps were vital to ensure safety and security to their life and property.

He impressed upon police force to respect the national flag and salute the dignitaries upon seeing it on their vehicles. Acting upon the complaints about power failures, Dr Arbab directed the KESC and Hesco to do away with unnecessary loadshedding in the province.

He acknowledged that the frequent and prolonged power shutdown in the prevailing hot season added to the miseries of poor people. He cautioned the two organizations that power breakdowns could force people to indulge in agitation and create problems for the government.

The chief minister also issued directives to all nazims to bring about immediate improvement in sanitation and sewerage system in their respective areas. Taking note of the complaints that the market committees were charging taxes outside their areas of operation in violation of relevant law, he directed that committees must restrict their tax collection practice to their respective limits.

SECRETARY REMOVED: The chief minister has removed irrigation and power secretary Bashir Ahmed Dhar with immediate effect. The action pertained to the release of toxic water that had claimed many lives in Hyderabad and Thatta.

According to an official handout issued from the CM's House late Thursday, the Services and Works Secretary Ashfaq Ahmed Memon would hold additional charge of irrigation and power. The CM pledged appropriate action, including sacking, against those found responsible for the tragedy. -APP/PPI