KARACHI: The Sindh Government has arranged 200,000 ration bags for distribution among families affected by the operation in Lyari and set up 500 camps for the displaced.

The decision was announced at a press conference where Information Minister Shazia Marri and Sindh police chief Mushtaq Shah were present. Relief Minister Syed Muzaffar Shujra and Archives Minister Rafique Engineer accompanied them.

Rafique Engineer, who is an elected representative from Lyari, made an urgent appeal to Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah that the Rangers be deployed in his constituency.

He said the PPP did not believe in politics of bullet and stands for writ of the government and rule of law. When representatives of Karachi Chambers of Commerce threatened the government with closure of their industries and refused to pay taxes due to increasing incidents of extortion and lawlessness, the government chalked out a programme to launch an operation across the board to eliminate criminals wherever they were and bring them to book.

He hoped other political parties would also extend cooperation to the government to eliminate criminals operating elsewhere. Recalling the sacrifices of Waja Karim Dad, Anwar Bhai Jan, Sohrab Baloch and Malik Muhmmad Khan like devoted workers who were gunned down he said these sacrifices were made by the party for the sake of Pakistan, democracy and writ of the government.

He said in 1.6 million population there were would be a few criminals, whose criminal activities made to suffer to million of innocent people.

But, the sacrifices of those innocent people and police officials who were victim of the firing and bombing of the criminals and causing injuries to scores others including children, would not go in vain and hoped that soon the life would return to normal routine and people would live in peace.

Relief Minister Haji Shujra said on the instruction from President Zardari the relief efforts had started in Lyari where mineral water and ration bags were being distributed. And in the areas where water and power supply was stopped would be restored by tomorrow.

He said that 500 camps were set up for IDPs and he would request the chief minister to make payment of Rs 10,000 per affected family.

Earlier, Minister Shazia Marri said no doubt the situation in Lyari was quite grave and matter of concern which was calling for measures to discourage criminal elements.

She said in order to restore writ of the law the party was forced to take this painful decision so that majority of people could get relief.