ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction Thursday over the ongoing targeted operation against criminal elements and outlaws in Karachi and said it should be continued at all costs, DawnNews reported.

The premier made the statement in a meeting with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in the federal capital during which he was briefed over the targeted operation in the country’s economic capital against criminals.

The interior minister apprised the premier of the arrests and the successful operations carried out by law enforcement agencies against criminals in order to rid the city of the menace of lawlessness and ensure enduring peace.

The prime minister was told that the ‘Karachi operation’ had entered its third phase and new areas in the metropolis had been identified.

Sharif expressed satisfaction over raids on criminals and said it should be continued until complete peace and tranquility were restored in the city.

Separately, the interior minister briefed the premier on talks with militant organisation Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)

The federal cabinet had earlier empowered Rangers to lead a targeted operation in the city with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies in hundreds of lists for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism.

Karachi is home to multiple conflicts that frequently turn violent, including gang wars and ethnic and political rivalries. Militants are said to use the city as a hiding place and a source of funds obtained through bank heists, extortion and kidnapping for ransom.