Army will go to any extent for Karachi peace: COAS

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

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.

Know more: Failure in fight against militancy is not an option: Nawaz

“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.

Also read: MQM claim party worker arrested, demand immediate release

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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Pakistan

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Imad Qureshi

Feb 17, 2015 06:53am

I hope he is right.

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Cyrus Ho

Feb 17, 2015 06:57am

"Their political and other affiliations" are their "get out of jail free" cards.

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awan

Feb 17, 2015 07:05am

I hope this would not be only heading of paper. we need action rather than verbal.

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Silent Majority

Feb 17, 2015 07:07am

And the people of this nation are with you sir!

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FAQ

Feb 17, 2015 07:13am

Salutes! No doubt it's only the Martial Law enforcement and implementation that can care for our country, specially the metropolitan cities, specially Karachi!

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ayesha

Feb 17, 2015 07:14am

Remember do not less history repeat itself. If you pick on Urdu speaking and MQM, good luck. It will only strenghten their position as 1992 operation made them more strong. Even in 1998-1999 they became stronger. Don't give an antibiotic for a viral pneumonia otherwise you make the virus more powerful since you treat symptoms and not the patient.

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ayub

Feb 17, 2015 07:16am

The military operation for peace in Karachi is more important than operations in other parts of the country. In this efforts the whole nation stands firmly with the Army.

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ayub

Feb 17, 2015 07:26am

The Karachi operation is more important than any other part of the country. The entire nation is behind the army in their struggle. We shall not let down our army in the hour of trial. Pak army is more than our prestige and honor.

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just_someone

Feb 17, 2015 07:28am

Until a certain political party exists, Karachi will never see peace. From the 80s, Karachi has only known violence. Ill believe the Army statements when it gets rid of this party!

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ayesha

Feb 17, 2015 07:30am

What extent are you committed to go to General Raheel? Committing genocide by printing with the same brush all Urdu speaking and push them to the Indian ocean?

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akhthar

Feb 17, 2015 07:31am

General wants to be in the news all he time! When is the General running a Coup? Oh, the Saudi's & the Americans have not agreed to back up the General, is it?

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Muhib

Feb 17, 2015 07:35am

He should concentrate on borders only...

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I. Ahmed

Feb 17, 2015 07:35am

Army is doing operations in Karachi since 1992. Can the ISPR educate us and quantify the historical 'extent' they went to and the results they achieved. At the same time, what will be the next 'extent' quantitatively and qualitatively? Otherwise one will be led to believe that there is very little difference in the statements of ISPR and Minister of Information!

Recommend 0

Feb 17, 2015 07:36am

Gen. Raheel is doing an excellent job. So far more than 2000 terrorists have been eliminated and thousands of arrests have been made. I wish previous generals were so good and effective. This democratic govt. is a sham govt, completely ineffective. Given the present scenario, Pakistan needs a military rule.

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A concerned citizen

Feb 17, 2015 07:40am

This is good, but you have to first establish credibility of your institution, Gen sahib. This is possible only when you target not just selected terrorism in the country but "all" terrorism in the country and we yet have to see that indiscriminate targeting.

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multanwala

Feb 17, 2015 08:13am

Nation thanks you.

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Key Points

Feb 17, 2015 08:14am

This is a good news for resident and businessmen of Karachi. People of Karachi have suffered a great deal over the years. Criminals, target killers and bhatta khores have made life miserable for people in Karachi. Criminals have destroyed many lives and many businesses. It seems that people of karachi are held hostage by a group criminals, but find themselves helpless. Desperate people of Karachi need help so they can live a normal life. Thank you.

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Syed Hassan Naqvi

Feb 17, 2015 09:39am

Well done General Raheel Shareef. Keep it up.

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Hasan Hasni

Feb 17, 2015 09:41am

Why our heart say to always believe you. Hope this will be true.

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Kaleem

Feb 17, 2015 09:50am

Big Boss speaks

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Whatisinname

Feb 17, 2015 09:51am

A cursory review of the history of turmoils in Karachi would show its roots in Sindh rural/urban divide being highly unequal. The issue was later lifted to make a further division on linguistic basis. Another division erupted on status of refugee/son-of-the-soil. Again, another division on the basis of settlers and indigenous Sindhis and so on. To solve the scavenging of the city for self glorification by those who trade patriotism, it is necessary to make such divisions irrelevant.

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Reader

Feb 17, 2015 09:51am

I think the statement is directed towards gunny bag goons

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waqar

Feb 17, 2015 09:53am

Thank you chief For your deep concern about SIndh.

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Waqas Abdul Wahid

Feb 17, 2015 09:54am

The only binding force in Pakistan...and its true...bravo u #COAS.... :)

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Waqas Abdul Wahid

Feb 17, 2015 09:56am

bravo u #COAS.. :)

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khanm

Feb 17, 2015 10:18am

Unfortunately transparency is under a big question mark...in most cases the operations have been carried out with ulterior political motives.Folks...When any government, or any church any mosque, any temple for that matter, undertakes to say to its subjects, This you may not read, this you must not see, this you are forbidden to know, the end result is tyranny and oppression no matter how holy the motives.

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asad

Feb 17, 2015 10:20am

Haha. We need actions, else the army chiefs statements will be regarded as mere publicity stunts just like those from civil governments.

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Jalbani Baloch

Feb 17, 2015 10:22am

Wish that you will be true to your words and Karachi will again become a city of light, peace, progress and prosperity. Bravo! General, don't budge to any political pressure and nip the terrorism in bud in all its forms and manifestations, wherever it exists in any part of Pakistan. Our prayers are with you Sir.

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muhammad islam

Feb 17, 2015 10:24am

That's why Army is the pride of the nation,people once again look forward to them for salvation ,the right man,at the right place at the right time.

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kashif

Feb 17, 2015 10:28am

Yeah Admi Theek Kardey Ga Sub Ko, Aur Sub Kuch.....I Will Pray for His Success.

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Kiran

Feb 17, 2015 10:37am

Army trying to ensure peace and political parties trying to create Havoc!

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Ruby

Feb 17, 2015 10:42am

Well done on cracking down on MQM. Also crackdown on PPP and most importantly TALIBAN. Come dude, you can do it!

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abq@aaa.com

Feb 17, 2015 10:43am

Karachi has been destroyed intentionally by PPP, MQM, Nawaz League and army. A few decades ago we enjoyed living in karachi, but now every next second we plan to leave this city because corrupt and filthy politician, army, and bureaucracy had done enough damage. At what extend they want to go now, they think people are foul. First they nurture every single puppet and now saying these puppet destroying the city. They forget May 15, when their head was supporting these puppet, they were freely moving on streets with fully loaded weapons. These suited boated officers has no clue what they are cultivating. At what extend you want to go, you still trying to foul us. You want to repeat 1991 strategy, putting whole city in mourn. For the sake of Allah “Mercy”. ‘Mercy’ on common man, ‘Mercy’!.

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Asim

Feb 17, 2015 10:49am

Have you ever heard Bangalore issues are being solved by people from Delhi… If Karachi has to solve its issues then solution must be from Karachi. So just do two things please appoint local police for Karachi and remove rangers from Karachi.

Recommend 0

Feb 17, 2015 10:53am

Gen Raheel, Get just one thing right, for God sake push these politicians to have an independent NAB. Do something to stop those who are looting the country with each and every means. Would you do it... I don't think so. You all have interests of you own, who would think of this home of ours. Think of them who give their lives for this soil and then you people even with power let the bad guys plunder it to ruins.

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Muzaffar Qureshi

Feb 17, 2015 10:55am

" Irrespective of their ethnic, political, religious and sectarian affiliations", this is operating clause, which was long overdue. .Those who wish Pakistan greatness and glory should stand up and be counted.

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salman

Feb 17, 2015 10:57am

@ayesha than wht doea your leader sitting in UK demands for a martial law in karachi all the time..one should be honest and condems the wrong and support the right..stop hypocracy

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Sami Khan

Feb 17, 2015 11:00am

Sir, it's time for action. Enough has been said. We are with you, Sir.

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Md.Ali.Khoja

Feb 17, 2015 11:02am

When will Army go to that extent? Is there anything remaining??

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Najam

Feb 17, 2015 11:03am

Bravo!! This is what we want, end to terrorism in all shapes and forms. Bao dil jeet liya!!

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Asim

Feb 17, 2015 11:05am

Have you ever heard Bangalore issues are being solved by people from Delhi… If Karachi has to solve its issues then solution must be from Karachi. So just do two things 1-please appoint local police for Karachi and 2 - remove rangers from Karachi. Please dawn publish this if you believe in press freedom.

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Fawzia

Feb 17, 2015 11:07am

I hope that the army's effort in karachi is successful. Every single person I know in that city has been affected by the lawlessness in one way or another. Time to put an end to the terrorism.

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Asad

Feb 17, 2015 11:08am

Generals employed by PML(N) ,will be impediments to his task

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Saima

Feb 17, 2015 11:12am

All the sugar mills in Pakistan should be regulated through a law. Half the ownership of these factories should be alloted to the workers of the Mills. To avoid monoply, no single party (including relatives and affiliated persons) should be allowed to own more than two suger mills. It will only be fair as all these owners have got them through crook ways. AND All the lands alloted in last 7 years be returned back. And every one of these crooks should stand trial to justify his her wealth through evidence. Is there any son of soil who can do this?

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M Rafique

Feb 17, 2015 11:20am

COAS if you will bring peace in Karachi, the millions and millions of citizens of the city will pray for you till their life time. Please keep it up to bring out the citizens of Karachi, living in fear for decades

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Ashfaq

Feb 17, 2015 11:38am

@ayub but that's army that appoint Governer of sindh since 2004?

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sfoman

Feb 17, 2015 11:39am

I hope he means what he says. I would whole heatedly support him

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Jimmy

Feb 17, 2015 11:58am

This is encouraging however to solve a problem information of the criminal incidents taking place is essential. Therefore call Center facility under an independent body has to be established. majority of incidents are not reported because people generally feel going to the police will be non productive and unfortunately in large number of cases police personnel themselves are involved.

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Vyom

Feb 17, 2015 12:02pm

Kya ho gaya Karachi mai

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Mudassar

Feb 17, 2015 12:02pm

No need of any army action in Khi. All we need is strict punishments and effective courts. Whole country will be free of terrorists and criminals instantly.

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Abdulla Hussin

Feb 17, 2015 12:11pm

Deployment of army in & around Karachi is the only logical answer to the looming law & order crises. Karachi has become a safe heaven for TTP & other such extremist organisation. They can through the co-operation of some locals easily hide in Karachi to evade arrests. For the good of Pakistan, Karachi needs thorough & deep cleaning & this could only be done by Army.

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Ilyas

Feb 17, 2015 12:26pm

Its catch 22 situation. Both MQM and PPP are responsible for crimes in Karachi and they are being asked to remedy the situation. Army will sink deeper in the problems of Karachi and both these parties will exploit the situation maligning army to their benefit. The real solution i.e. appointment of honest people will only be seen when the government itself has clean hands.

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khan

Feb 17, 2015 12:31pm

@ayesha This time its going to be chemotherapy for sure.

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Muhammad Ali Samo

Feb 17, 2015 12:35pm

I do appreciate sincerity and seriousness to ensure the peace in Karachi from Rahil Sharif. Since the Rangers operation , Karachi has been gaining peace and prosperity. Operation must be continued till desired targets. Zero tolerance to criminals and target killers will help to ensure peace. All the regional political parties must cooperate with law enforcement agencies irrespective of their political interests.

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Raja

Feb 17, 2015 01:28pm

Now this is THE MAN we need in Pakistan who takes action and does not care what political party anyone belongs to.

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Adventurer

Feb 17, 2015 01:49pm

@UD 2000 terrorists killed how many more living in Pakistan?

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asif

Feb 17, 2015 02:20pm

And many before him said same, many times.

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Naved

Feb 17, 2015 02:30pm

We need urgent and fair action, rather than rhetoric. The course of action is very slow in Karachi and neglecting sectarian violence altogether.

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Syed Ahsan Ali

Feb 17, 2015 02:37pm

Dear COAS Raheel Sharif Sahib we beg of you to bring the Police Force of Pakistan under the Pakistan Army. This will help in reducing corruption in our society and a hope for the common people of Pakistan to be able to live honorably in peace without fear. This is a call of duty in the present circumstances that Pakistan is in today. Would you be able to do it?

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imran ali

Feb 17, 2015 02:47pm

Decision made in GHQ,Islamabad and Lahore can not bring peace in Karachi without solving the genuine problems of karachi.Karachi should be treated like a metropolitan city with full power and elected chief minister like Delhi.There should be local police and Rangers manned by Karachites.The present imported LEAs should be withdrawn. LEAs are totally biased and targeting a particular community,the mandate of Karachi should be accepted and respected

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Tranquil

Feb 17, 2015 03:05pm

@ayesha Madam its not about Urdu speaking its about Law and order in Karachi.

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karachi Wally

Feb 17, 2015 03:15pm

Now PPP and MQM will play with Army and nothing will happen. You cannot beat the nexus of corrupt mafia politicians, religious leaders and bureaucracy.

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Viking Star

Feb 17, 2015 04:19pm

General Sharif, you must keep your words. We do not have any hope with Federal or Provincial governments or the local Police. They are all involved with dirty politics for their vested interests. The whole nation is relying on you!

Recommend 0

john

Feb 17, 2015 04:53pm

@just_someone Then they really should ban PTI and JI for forging ties with TTP

Recommend 0

john

Feb 17, 2015 04:56pm

Peace will prevail if Karachi was restored as the Capital. Trouble started when Punjab took the Qaid's capital away, leaving Karachiites with more influx of people of other province to grab their jobs and law enforcement agencies that also belong to Punjab.

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Nasir

Feb 17, 2015 06:05pm

Army and Rangers have been doing their so called Operation Cleanup since the 90s. Its been over 25 years of this operation drama. Army cannot alone resolve civilian matters.

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K R Khan

Feb 17, 2015 06:29pm

Better he should stay away from Karachi issue.

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A Shah

Feb 17, 2015 08:07pm

So why are ppl getting shot everyday?

Recommend 0

Nazir Ahmed

Feb 17, 2015 08:12pm

Then go. What you are waiting for. Targets are before you.

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Qamar

Feb 17, 2015 09:08pm

If the General really means what he has said, then the first step should be getting rid of the most corrupt PPP government in the province. Can he force Nawaz Sharif to impose direct rule by the federal government and install an honest technocrat government that has no affiliation with PPP, MQM or ANP?

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Raja Islam

Feb 17, 2015 11:02pm

Need to see some action. Have heard a lot of talk. Maybe a few criminals get hauled up and a certain party will come out on the streets and complain that their innocent workers are being targetted. Everything will come to a stop and nothing will change.

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Malik

Feb 17, 2015 11:24pm

Salute to Gen Raheel and Pak Army

Recommend 0

Fatima

Feb 18, 2015 01:17am

@imran ali I agree. If this is not respected then it will result this time in the West saying sorry good bye Pakistan.

Recommend 0

Rafeeq

Feb 18, 2015 05:38am

Last week, the general promised to revive hockey. yesterday, he promised to eliminate terrorism and today, he is promising to fix Karachi.

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