LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has said more than 1,000 combing operations have been conducted in Punjab during the last six months.

“For the last two years the intelligence agencies have been conducting combing operations,” Sanaullah said.

Talking to reporters, the minister said there was no need for Rangers operation in Punjab as there had been no target killing as suggested by PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Imran Khan had called for Rangers’ action in Lahore and Islamabad. Mr Khan alleged that Punjab police had been reduced to “a militant wing” of the ruling PML-N since it was not prepared to provide any protection or move against those hurling threats at PTI workers.Talking about Pakistan Awami Tehreek Chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri’s ‘Qisas movement, the minister said he (Qadri) wanted to disturb peace but he would not succeed.

To a question about extension of the tenure of Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif, he said political and military leadership together had to make a decision to the effect.

To a question about rise in kidnapping incidents of children, Sanaullah said: “Some 90 per cent of children leave their houses on their own and the issue is being given undue coverage (by media).”

During the ongoing Punjab Assembly session, he said, debate on the National Action Plan and law and order in the province would be held.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2016