KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Rangers director general Maj Gen Bilal Akbar met on Saturday to discuss the law and order situation in the province, particularly in the provincial capital, and agreed to purge the metropolis of all elements creating trouble, officials said.

They quoted Chief Minister Shah as saying during the meeting that implementation of the National Action Plan and restoration of law and order to the province were his top priorities. Therefore, indiscriminate action against the criminals and outlaws should continue.

“We are committed to purging this city of terrorists and criminals,” Mr Shah told Maj Gen Akbar who called on him at CM House.

Law and order situation in the province reviewed

According to the officials, the Rangers chief briefed the chief minister about the law and order situation, particularly the targeted operations being carried out by the paramilitary force in cooperation with police.

He informed Mr Shah that the intelligence-based operations had produced tangible results and helped restore peace to the city.

The Rangers chief added that his force was working hard to make the targeted operations successful.

Chief Minister Shah said the hard work of law enforcement agencies, political will of the provincial government, collective wisdom of the political parties, and, above all, strong support of the people of Karachi were the factors that had helped restore peace to the metropolis.

“Now, the big challenge is to sustain peace in the city for which everyone has to work hard and support the government,” he said.

He said he would be working to improve further the law and order situation in the city because this was vital for attracting foreign investment and promoting industrial activities on a permanent basis.

“We will also encourage arts, crafts, and literary and cultural activities in the city,” he said.

“Enough is enough. I am committed to providing to the people of this city a congenial atmosphere in which they may enjoy life, focus on education of their children and improve their livelihood,” he said.

“We have to do a lot... Now, my government has begun giving special attention to street crime for which I am listening to the people... who are informing me of their grievances verbally and in writing.”

Mr Shah instructed the city administration to be vigilant and active to keep Karachi clean.

Referring to the rainwater that had inundated streets and neighbourhoods in many parts of Karachi, he ordered the municipal authorities to pump it out as soon as the rain stopped, especially from the city’s low-lying areas.

The chief minister said it was heartening that people were heading for the beaches in large numbers to enjoy the cool weather.

“I am happy that people are enjoying the good weather with their families, free from any fear.”

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2016