KARACHI: The Sindh police have sought help from all intelligence agencies in tracing out the elements who are sending extortion messages to lawmakers and others.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of two books, Forensic Investigation by DIG Sharjeel Kharal and Investigation of Offences by former additional IG Muham­mad Akbar at a hotel on Friday, Sindh IGP A.D. Khowaja said some persons, including legislators, were receiving extortion messages and the police needed help from all sensitive institutions to nab the culprits.

While talking about the recent PPP and PTI brawl, Mr Khowaja urged all political parties to demonstrate discipline and restraint, and increase awareness among their activists so that the upcoming general election could be held in peaceful atmosphere.

He added that provision of security was the responsibility of the state and it would be provided to political parties whenever needed.

Asks political parties to demonstrate restraint

The IG claimed that politicians such as Farooq Sattar, Khwaja Izharul Hasan, Mustafa Kamal and Afaq Ahmed still had police security.

He pointed out that security to influential persons was withdrawn on the orders of the Supreme Court and added it could be provided to only those who were recommended by the newly-established ‘threat assessment committee’.

He revealed that around 3,000 policemen were undergoing training who would likely be deployed in the city during the month of Ramazan to maintain law and order.

Malkhana fire incident

The IG disclosed that the report about malkhana fire incident at City Courts had been submitted to the court and added they did not find any element of sabotage behind the incident.

The IG said that Punjab had forensic science laboratory which Sindh lacked.

He, however, added that Sindh was considering setting up a forensic lab on the pattern of Punjab.

He claimed that Sindh’s ballistic matching facility was better than the other three provinces’.

The provincial police chief opined that criminal justice system had close links with citizens’ basic rights.

“Time has come when we have to adopt modern methods of investigation as it would bring positive impact to society,” suggested the IG.

He said both maintaining law and order and improving investigation were vital for police.

Talking about significance of both the books authored by two police officers, the Sindh IG hoped the books would strengthen criminal justice system through proper investigation of cases.

The IG said the police needed modern tools and equipment to handle evolving crimes.

Mr Khowaja appreciated cooperation of Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in providing modern tools of investigation to the Sindh police.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2018