KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated on Thursday that no obstruction would be tolerated in the way of implementation of the National Action Plan against terrorism, directing the Sindh government and law enforcement agencies to step up the pace of operation in Karachi.

During his brief stay in the city, the prime minister presided over a meeting of the provincial apex committee, held a separate meeting with Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, inaugurated an extension project of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, KANUPP-II, and addressed a function of the Parsi community.

During his meeting with the governor and the chief minister at the Governor’s House, Mr Sharif said the Karachi operation was not against any party, but against criminal elements. The government, he said, believed in resolving political issues through talks and, therefore, genuine complaints of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) would also be taken into account and addressed accordingly.

Besides reviewing the law and order situation and ongoing operation in Karachi, the meeting also discussed the issue of resignations of MQM lawmakers. The prime minister called upon the Muttahida legislators to review their decision and play their active role in parliament and work with the government.

CM says NAB, FIA interfering in Sindh govt’s affairs

According to sources, the chief minister briefed Mr Sharif on the overall situation and development projects being carried out in the province.

The prime minister said that before taking decisions on important issues, the government had taken into confidence all parliamentary parties. The government’s main objective was to eliminate terrorism and develop economy, he said, adding that the Karachi operation would be taken to its logical end. “The federal government will extend its cooperation to the Sindh government for this purpose,” Mr Sharif added.

He asked the Sindh government to expedite the pace of work on mega development projects and take steps to solve problems being faced by the people of Karachi.

The prime minister claimed that the operation had restored peace in Karachi, damaged terrorists’ capacity to strike back and curbed extortion, target killings and kidnappings for ransom. But, he said, some more time was needed to achieve full results.

“We are facing many challenges. The martyrdom of Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada, who was actively pursuing the National Action Plan, will not deter us from pursuing our mission and we will move forward with full strength,” he said.

The prime minster condemned the attack on MQM leader Rashid Godil and said the people involved would soon be arrested and brought to justice.

APEX COMMITTEE: Addressing the apex committee meeting at the Governor’s House, the prime minister expressed the hope that the situation in Karachi would further improve.

The meeting was attended by Dr Ishratul Ibad, Qaim Ali Shah, Rangers Director General Major General Bilal Akbar, Sindh Chief Secretary Siddique Memon, IG Ghulam Haider Jamali and other senior officials.

Mr Sharif said the elements involved in the Baldia Town inferno would be exposed and given exemplary punishment.

He said the Karachi operation had been launched about two years ago with the consensus of all political parties, adding that crimes had almost been eliminated. “The business community has expressed satisfaction over the improved situation and investors have started coming to the city.”

He said the country’s progress was linked to peace in Karachi.

Mr Sharif said he was satisfied with the results of the operation and praised the performance of police, Rangers and intelligence agencies.

He said severe action should be taken against the facilitators of criminal elements in political parties and their financial network busted, the investigation and prosecution system should be improved by initiating reforms and terrorism cases sent to courts as early as possible.

He directed the authorities to introduce latest CCTV cameras in Karachi and prepare a comprehensive plan for security of important personalities.

Earlier, the chief minister, the DG Rangers, the chief secretary and the police chief briefed the prime minister on the Karachi operation and said reforms were being introduced to improve the prosecution system, including removal of incompetent officers. The operation is being expedited in consultation with the apex committee.

They called upon the federal government to cooperate with the Sindh government in providing advanced technology to security agencies. The prime minister assured them that the centre would assist the provincial government in this regard.

FIA AND NAB INTERFERENCE: Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah complained to the prime minister and the interior minister about the interference of NAB and FIA in his government’s affairs and said they were taking action against its functionaries without bringing it to the knowledge of the authorities concerned in the Sindh government.

He regretted that the move was sending a wrong impression that there was large-scale corruption in the Sindh government. He asked them to direct the federal institutions to abide by rules.

Mr Sharif directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to resolve the matter in accordance with the law.

Chaudhry Nisar assured the chief minister that he would direct the FIA not to take any action without informing the Sindh government.

Earlier addressing the inaugural ceremony of concrete pouring for the KANUPP extension project, the prime minister said the project was a proud example of Pakistan-China friendship.

He said completion of energy projects would help overcome the energy crisis, improve economy and create more employment in the country. He said ending loadshedding was top priority of the government and, therefore, special attention was being paid on developing energy projects.

He said it was a matter of pleasure that with the cooperation of a Chinese company two more nuclear power plants – Chashma-III and IV – would start producing 630MW electricity next year.

He said the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission had taken strict protective measures for all its power plants. The nuclear authority was monitoring these measures while the world community was also satisfied with the measures taken in accordance with universal laws, the prime minister added.

On the occasion, KANUPP Chairman Mohammad Naeem said his organisation had plans to build three more nuclear power plants on the pattern of K-II and K-III. These plants would be producing 8,800MW of electricity by 2030 while according to the vision 2050, nuclear power projects would be generating 40,000MW.

Addressing the Parsi community’s function at a hotel arranged by prominent businessman Behram D. Avari, the prime minister said the community had played an important role in the development of the country by making investment in industries.

Behram Avari said the Parsi community would continue to work for the country’s progress.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2015

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