KARACHI: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Monday praised law-enforcement and intelligence agencies as well as the Pakistan Army for their performance in achieving “peace in Karachi” in a second such gesture within weeks, indicating his complete support for and trust in the ongoing Rangers-led targeted operation in the city which has often drawn strong criticism from his own party, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

The governor once again put his weight behind the operation in Karachi while meeting the Karachi corps commander, Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, at Governor House, where the two discussed the overall situation in the province.

“Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan today, and held a detailed discussion on the peace and law and order in Sindh. The meeting showed resolve to eliminate terrorists from Karachi and the entire province,” said a statement issued by Governor House.

It was on Sept 23 when Pakistan Rangers DG Major General Bilal Akbar met the Sindh governor, and Dr Ibad shared thoughts similar to the ones he shared during his meeting with the Karachi corps commander.

While meeting with Lt Gen Mukhtar, he said it was due to the performance of different agencies that peace in Karachi became possible. “While expressing his satisfaction over the peace situation in Sindh in general and Karachi in particular, he lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, police, and intelligence agencies,” said the statement.

“The Pakistan army has made matchless sacrifices during the Zarb-i-Azb operation which strengthened peace, national unity and national sovereignty. Pakistan is fast emerging as a safe and peaceful country.”

In last month’s meeting the chief of the paramilitary force and the Sindh governor had asserted that the law and order situation had improved phenomenally in the past few months, a fact that had been recognised by every school of thought in society. He had also referred to how traders had capitalised on the improved peace situation and the encouraging business environment, from Ramazan to Eidul Azha.

The thoughts shared with the Karachi corps commander put him at variance with the MQM as far as the targeted operation in Karachi is concerned, as his party often blames law-enforcement agencies for victimising its activists and workers on the basis of their political association.

“The nation recognises the sacrifices made by the armed forces with respect and regard,” the statement quoted Dr Ibad as saying. “The corps commander Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar showed resolve that the Zarb-i-Azb operation would continue till the elimination of the last terrorist.”

Published in Dawn, October 6th , 2015

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