ISLAMABAD: Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wasan said on Tuesday that an ‘operation’ was imminent to permanently restore peace in Karachi.

“We will take stern action against those involved in killing innocent

people,” he said while talking to reporters at the Benazir International Airport.

However, he said first he would deal with troublemakers with a soft hand and request them to mend their ways.

The statement has come at a time when the ruling Pakistan People’s Party is making efforts to appease its disgruntled coalition partner, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, through leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q, its new political ally.

Sources in the PPP said the government had decided to adopt a carrot and stick approach with the MQM by keeping its doors open for reconciliation and not accepting the resignation of Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad, while at the same time threatening it indirectly by warning all stakeholders in Karachi of a possible operation.

Mr Wasan said he was hopeful of bringing some positive results for peace in the city within a week.

Replying to a question, he said he would not name any specific group or party, but the drug mafia, land grabbers, extortionists and elementof Taliban were involved in disrupting law and order in Karachi.

The minister said he had visited troubled areas like Kati Pahari to review the situation. “Not a single incident of target killing has taken place since I assumed charge as the home minister,” he claimed.

“People who live in these areas are our identity and I will meet each of the groups and invite them to play their role in restoring peace in Karachi,” he said.

Replying to a question, he said the problem of target killings was had not begun after the MQM parted ways with the government.

“But the response of the stakeholders is encouraging and I am hopeful that the situation will become normal.”