KARACHI: Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and several senior officials visited the home of slain qawwal Amjad Farid Sabri in Liaquatabad on Sunday and offered condolences to his family.

The minister said the recent hype in violence in the city was aimed at renewing the subdued wave of fear among the residents, which the government would tackle with all means in its hand.

“The Karachi operation will continue till the last terrorist is eliminated,” Chaudhry Nisar said after offering condolences to the bereaved family.

He said the recent incidents of violence were part of a conspiracy to deteriorate peace and tranquillity in the city, which had been earned after the hard-fought operation against militants and criminals.

“The killers of Amjad Sabri will soon be arrested,” he said.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad was also present. He and the minister paid tribute to the qawwal and assured the family that the government would extend any help they needed.

Mr Rabbani, while eulogising services of the late Sabri, said his art and legacy were “like a bird that cannot be caged and shut inside a grave”.

Acting president also visits ailing social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi

“Amjad Sabri, through his God-gifted talents, dedication and love for the Prophet (PBUH), spread the name of Islam and greatness of the Prophet (PBUH) all over the world,” he said.

Later, speaking to reporters, Mr Rabbani said Amjad Sabri had guided people, showed them the correct path through his art and earned worldwide recognition.

“Huge presence of people at his funeral and the fact that the whole Pakistani nation is mourning and shedding tears over his death is a slap on the face of those forces which believed that they could disturb the structure of the state by spreading terrorism,” he said.

He said the spirit of the nation was high and every Pakistani was able to defend the country.

He said the federal and provincial law enforcement agencies would not let the murderers go unpunished.

Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervez Rashid also visited the residence of Amjad Sabri, expressed condolences with the bereaved family and offered fateha.

Talking to reporters, he said he had come to offer condolences to the family on behalf of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He paid tribute to the late qawwal and said he had spread the message of love, brotherhood and amity and served as an ambassador of peace. “The assassination of Amjad Sabri has saddened every Pakistani.”

PML-N Senator Nihal Hashmi and the Benazir Income Support Programme’s Chairperson Marvi Memon accompanied the minister.

Meanwhile, Mr Rabbani and the information minister also visited the residence of the country’s top social worker, Abdul Sattar Edhi, and inquired about his health.

The acting president directed officials concerned to provide all necessary treatment facilities to Mr Edhi. Mr Rabbani lauded the contributions rendered by Mr Edhi for humanity.

Mr Rabbani had met Sindh High Court Chief Justice Sajjad Ali Shah a day earlier and assured him of every possible cooperation and support to ensure early release of his kidnapped son.

Mr Rashid said Mr Edhi was an undisputed hero of the nation who had shown a soft image of Pakistan to the world.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2016