KARACHI, June 21: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Wednesday said that he had suggested to the federal government to set up a diplomatic enclave in Karachi on lines of the Islamabad diplomatic enclave.
Talking to a delegation of the US Department of State Accountability Review Board (ARB) led by David Fields that called on him in the Chief Minister's House, he said the Sindh government had already taken foolproof steps for the safety of all foreign diplomatic missions, including the US consulate, and their staff.
He said the government had already declared the area around the US consulate as the high security zone. He told them that the Sindh government had asked the federal government to set up a diplomatic enclave in Karachi for offices and residences of all consulates and their staff.
Dr Arbab said terrorism was not a Pakistan-specific problem but an international issue. He said President General Pervez Musharraf was taking steps to root out terrorism.
Dr Arbab said he had already issued special instructions for security of the US consulate, adding that the government would continue extending all-out cooperation to the staff of consulate.
The delegation sought information about the steps for the security of the US consulate. David Fields said on the occasion that according to the Geneva Convention security and safety of all embassies and their staff was the responsibility of the governments where these embassies were set up. He said he hoped that the Sindh government would extend them all-out cooperation in this regard. He thanked the Sindh chief minister for the special security steps taken by his government for the safety of the consulate.
The Sindh chief secretary, home secretary, IG, the CCPO, and additional IG of the Special Branch were also present.—PPI
