KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif took notice of Monday’s violence following a provocative speech by Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain and personally called the paramilitary Rangers director-general to restore peace to the metropolis and “arrest each and every person involved in this episode and bring them to justice”.

The wave of violence also drew the attention of the British High Commission in Pakistan that condemned the attack on media in Karachi. In a statement, tweeted by #UKinIslamabad: “We Stand with #Karachi at this difficult time. Strongly condemn the attack on media”.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, DG Major Gen Bilal Akbar told a private TV channel that he was personally called by Gen Sharif who expressed his concern over the Karachi situation and issued directives for a lasting peace in the city.

“He showed his concern and issued directives for every move to restore peace to the city,” said Maj Gen Akbar while appearing on the television show.

“So the city as you know is all normal. Shops and markets are open and traffic is moving as usual.

“Tomorrow will be another normal day, we assure everyone. Secondly, the army chief has extended clear directives for arrest of every individual involved in today’s violence and bring them to justice.”

In reply to a question about any progress in investigations into Monday’s violence and future strategy of the paramilitary force to ensure a lasting peace in Karachi, he shared brief but crucial details with the host.

“The people who were present at the protest are being identified through footage and we are moving very fast. Secondly, every individual who was there listening to anti-Pakistan and anti-forces slogans and responding to that speech will be arrested,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2016