17 July 2004	Saturday	28 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, July 16: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has said that the government was closely reviewing all aspects relating to imposing a ban on Jamaat-i-Islami and a decision would be taken in the light of past experiences.

Talking to newsmen at a ceremony marking the inauguration of a low-cost housing scheme in Tessar Town on Friday, he said the government would take all decisions without any political discrimination.

Dr Ibad said that the presence of Al Qaeda activists could not be ignored and the administration was on full alert. However, there still was a slight chance of a terrorist activity in the city.

He observed that all culprits involved in terrorist activities in the city were, one way or the other, affiliated to extremist groups. Suspects detained in various cases - American Consulate explosion, PACC car bomb blast, attack on Rangers and police stations and attack on the corps commander Karachi motorcade - were being interrogated for information about their affiliation.

Responding to a question, he said that the presence of Al Qaeda activists could not be overlooked and they might create law and order situation, but the administration was fully prepared to thwart their evil plans. A major terrorist network had been busted in the city, he added.

The decision of judiciary regarding Dr Akmal Waheed and Dr Arshad Waheed in the light of evidences against them had proved that judiciary believed in transparency.

The governor said that the government was determined to maintain peace in the province and would not hesitate to take any decision or steps in this regard. He assured the masses that any decision to ban a group in order to maintain peace would be taken in accordance with law and the constitution. -PPI