KARACHI: Ibad vows to maintain law, order at all costs
KARACHI, July 15: Sindh Governor Dr Ishartul Ibad said that it was the government's foremost responsibility to protect the life and property of the people and added that any step deemed necessary for maintaining law and order would be taken.
He said this while talking to newsmen during is visit to Askari Park project on Thursday. He said that the government had succeeded, to a great extent, in controlling the incidents of terrorism and many terrorists, including those said to be involved in attacks on mosques and imambargahs had been arrested.
To a question, Mr Ibad said that Dr Arshad Waheed and Dr Akmal Waheed had revealed that they were associated with the Jamaat-i-Islami and that they had prior knowledge of terrorism incidents occurring in the city.
When asked whether any ban was expected to be imposed on Jamaat on the basis of the 'revelation,' the governor said that whatever steps considered necessary for protection of the life and property of the people, would be taken.
He made it clear that law and order would be maintained at all costs. He told a questioner that the government had given priority to security arrangements at mosques, imambargahs, shopping centres and other important points and as a result of these steps the law and order had shown improvement in Sindh, particularly in Karachi.
To a question, Dr Ibad said the incidents taking place in Lyari proved that criminals were hiding there and the government would take steps for their early arrest. He said the government had started a campaign to arrest criminal elements and to recover illegal weapons. He was hopeful that with the federal funds provided for maintaining law and order the situation would further improve.
To a question, the governor said that arrests of Jundullah activists, doctor brothers and those of other extremist elements, were being closely examined and important decisions would be taken in the light of the results of interrogation of the accused.
He disclosed that a major gang involved in kidnappings for ransom had been busted and this would lead to a decline in the incidence of this crime, adding that the government was keen to eliminate such activity.
He urged the people to support the government in the arrest of criminals, so that law and order could be fully restored. Earlier, the governor was briefed on Askari Park project, continuing at the old Sabzi Mandi ground, which will be completed by the next year.
The 38-acre site was handed over to the army, two years ago, for developing the park, in order to save this precious land from encroachments and becoming yet another slum.
The park would have a gymnasium, ladies and children's parks, skating ground, food court, cycling and jogging track, botanical garden, lake, students' library and a special corner for women artisans to exhibit their works, he was told.
Briefing the governor, Lt Col Azam Gulzar, who is supervising Askari Park project, referred to the issue pertaining to the relocation of two mosques, Jamia Al-Ghousia and Rabbani mosques, as major impediment in the completion of the project.
The governor was informed that managements of both the mosques had agreed to shift to some other places, but some difficulties were now being encountered with regard to honouring of the commitment, earlier made in the presence of Karachi corps commander.
Of Rs200 million, required for completion of the project, Rs68 million have already been provided by the governor, who promised to invite the Rabbani mosque representatives to remind them of their commitment. -APP
