KARACHI: Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif has praised Sindh Rangers for their operation against terrorists in Karachi and said the army will take whatever action is needed to achieve a sustainable peace in the city.

A couple of tweets by ISPR Director General Maj Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa on the army chief’s Karachi visit said Gen Sharif had been updated by Rangers DG Maj Gen Bilal Akbar on targeted operations.

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“The COAS appreciated gains of operation by the Rangers, police and intelligence agencies,” said one of the tweets, adding that the army would go to any extent to support the operation to ensure peace in Karachi.

The tweets ended with “well done, keep it up” while referring to Gen Sharif’s response to the briefing.

APP adds: The army chief said the Karachi operation would continue, without any discrimination, against all criminals irrespective of their ethnic, political, religious and sectarian affiliation.

Speaking at a meeting of the Sindh Apex Committee in Karachi, he said the operation should be carried out with transparency and sincerity of purpose. He said Karachi played an important role in the country’s economy and peace in the city meant prosperity for the entire country.

He said meaningful efforts needed to be taken for peace in the city, according to one of the tweets by the ISPR director general.

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Gen Sharif said the Rangers’ operation had created an environment for sustainable peace and stability. He said political expediency could not generate apolitical response, adding that there should be no political consideration in dealing with crimes and broad-based consensus and harmony were needed to capitalise on the gains.

Gen Sharif stressed the need for better coordination between law-enforcement and intelligence agencies and making police a non-political and effective force. Postings should be made, without any interference, through the apex committee.

Published in Dawn February 17th , 2015

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