RAWALPINDI / KARACHI: A team of Sindh police led by SSP Zulfiqar Mehar visited Benazir Bhutto International Airport here on Wednesday and viewed Close Circuit Television (CCTV) recording containing images of suspended SSP Malir Rao Anwar when he made a failed attempt to leave the country on Jan 23.

Rao Anwar has been absconding after a murder case had been registered against him about extra-judicial killing of Naqeeb Ullah Mehsud in Karachi.

All security agencies, police and FIA immigration staff at the airport had been alerted in light of rumours that Rao Anwar could make another attempt to leave the country during next 24 hours.

SSP Investigation Zulfiqar Mehar, who had been in Islamabad for the past couple of days, visited the airport at midnight and met senior officials of the Airport Security Force (ASF).

On Jan 23, Rao Anwar was stopped by the FIA’s immigration staff from going abroad on finding his NOC suspicious. Then the suspended SSP left the airport and disappeared.

SSP Zulfiqar Mehar viewed the CCTV images of Rao Anwar when he entered the Rawal departure lounge via domestic departure fast track lane. He was alone when walked into the departure lounge.

Rao Anwar did not enter the International Departure Lounge for obtaining the boarding card for Emirates Airlines flight EK-615 as the boarding card was obtained by someone else from a private handling service staff member.

Sindh govt serious about arresting Rao Anwar, says Murad

SSP Zulfiqar could not see the CCTV image of that individual who obtained the boarding card as the CCTV camera at that desk was not operating at that time.

However, SSP Zulfiqar took the recording of Rao Anwar’s movement at the airport with him.

Meanwhile, security officials of the airport have been questioning the private handling agency’s staff member who had issued the boarding card for Rao Anwar on Jan 23.

According to sources, the individual who had issued the boarding card informed the security officials that he could identify the man who got the boarding card for Rao Anwar if he was produced before him.

A copy of the CCTV images of Rao Anwar had been sent to Karachi by the airport authorities.

On the other hand, Inspector General of Sindh police AD Khawaja, along with two senior police officers, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday to submit a report on Rao Anwar’s arrest to the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The IGP met senior FIA officials and reviewed the case of Rao Anwar.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said in Karachi on Wednesday that his government was serious to arrest Rao Anwar.

Talking to media at Hindu Gymkhana where he attended Napa Convocation 2015-17 as chief guest, he said it was quite surprising that the people doubted the provincial government’s sincerity in arresting Rao Anwar.

“It was PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari who had taken notice of Naqeeb Ullah Mehsud’s murder and an inquiry committee was constituted on his directives,” he said, adding that the provincial government was in close contact with all agencies, and Rao Anwar would be arrested soon.

In reply to a question, the chief minister said that holding of jirgas in the city and participation of people in them is not a good move. “The court should take its notice. I have also taken its notice,” he added.

Mr Shah said he would provide foolproof security to the PSL final match in Karachi.

He said the role of Napa in promoting the country’s soft image was quite encouraging.

Earlier addressing the gathering, the chief minister said he was dull in music classes in his school days, but after retirement he would take some courses from Napa to lead a happy and joyous life.

He said that his nephews and nieces were interested in music and “now this trend is developing among children and their parents are happily accepting it”. Musicians, artistes and actors were more popular than the people in other professions, he added.

Mr Shah said Karachi had seen lawlessness for two decades. “Musical shows, literary festivals, theater, plays and such other activities had shied away from Karachi and now they are returning with full vigour and spirit,” he said.

He praised Zia Mohyeddin for running an academy of performing arts and engaging youngsters in healthy activities. “My government will always be with you and support you whatever it is needed,” he said.

Later, the chief minister warded degrees to 74 graduates.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2018

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