KARACHI, Feb 28: Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said on Friday that the government had got some vital clues with regard to the recent incidents of terrorism, and very soon the culprits would be apprehended.

He, however, did not divulge the details of those ‘vital clues’ and said it would be premature to disclose them.

“The government has got vital clues and would soon apprehend the elements involved in the killing of innocent citizens”, he said while talking to the newsmen at the Governor’s House on Friday.

Governor Ibad said the recent incidents of killings in Karachi were not of sectarian nature, rather they appeared to be part of a conspiracy to weaken the country and make the government unstable.

Referring to the murder of Muttahida leader Khalid bin Walid, killing of 10 people near an Imambargah a few days back and of a policemen in Karachi on Friday morning, he said the enemies first killed the Muttahida leader to create unrest, then sprayed bullets on people near an Imam Bargah to ignite sectarian clashes; but all their efforts had failed and now they had targeted policemen at the US consulate.

When asked if the Friday incident had any link with anti-US sentiments or if the government saw any foreign hand in it, the governor said: “We are examining the incident from all the sides, however any comments at this time would be premature.”

He urged religious scholars to avoid issuing provocative statements and observe a code of conduct in letter and spirit so that peace could be maintained during the month of Muharamul Haram.

He also referred to statements of certain political leaders commenting on subversive activities in such a way that could only help terrorists fulfil their nefarious designs. He advised politicians to avoid such irresponsible statements.

To a question, the governor said Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali had held a meeting today at the Governor’s House and reviewed law & order situation in the province.

It was felt that the intelligence collection system was not effective, therefore the government stressed the reinforcement of the system.

To another question, he said he was very much in contact with Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar, who had already issued directives to the administration for intensifying security measures.

He also denied the impression that there existed any rift in the ranks of the coalition partners, and observed that the results of Senate elections testified their unity.

In a statement, the governor expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the killing of innocent people in various incidents of terrorism in the city.

In a statement, the governor said that anti-state elements want to set an environment of sectarian terrorism in the city while practically people belonging to all the sects are living together with complete harmony.

He directed the authorities concerned to leave no stone unturned in the elimination of such elements.

He made it clear that if any functionary showed carelessness and negligence, he would face strict punitive action.

Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad appealed the people to be patient and cooperate with the government in thwarting these conspiracies through their unity.

He assured that government will bring the terrorists out of their hideouts and take them to task.

The governor prayed for peace for the departed souls and patience for the bereaved families.

LAW & ORDER MEETING: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad has stressed the need for making efforts to expose the elements involved in the recent acts of terrorism and to bring them to the net.

He issued necessary directives for maintaining law and order in the province and ensuring an atmosphere of unity and cohesion during Muharramul Haram.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting at the Governor House in which the obtaining law and order situation was reviewed.

The home secretary, the IGP and other police officials apprised the governor about the latest situation.

The governor directed the authorities to make appropriate arrangements for improved law and order during Muharram, cleanliness around the places of Majalis and Muharram procession routes, as well as uninterrupted supply of electricity.

He also emphasised the need for cooperation of Ulema and liaison with the people.

Regarding transfers and posting of certain SHOs recently, the meeting was informed that it was part of the administration strategy and previously also such transfers and postings used to take place on which no reaction was ever showed.

The governor directed that it should be ascertained whether the current reaction on these transfers had any relationship with the recent acts of terrorism.

The governor said steps be taken in accordance with the law, and protection of life and property be ensured.

The meeting was attended by acting Chief Secretary, Masood ur Rehman Masood, DG Rangers Salahuddin Satti, Principal Secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin, Home Secretary Mohammed Aslam Sanjrani and others.—APP