ISLAMABAD: Targeted operation in Karachi is continuing relentlessly with daily arrests of criminals including target killers and recovery of weapons during raids by Rangers and police.

According to official sources, during the ongoing targeted operation started more than a month ago on Sept 4, around 4,000 suspected miscreants had been arrested.

The alleged criminals include 30 persons who were apprehended from Murree, Larkana, Nawabshah, Lahore and other cities of the country.

Many of the criminals have admitted that they have political affiliations.

However, the federal government has decided that political affiliations of the alleged criminals would not be disclosed in order to stay focused on the operation and not get distracted by squabbling among political parties.

Reportedly, the suspected terrorists have told interrogators that they had links with terrorists abroad.

The federal government is set to introduce an amended Anti-Terrorism Bill to further empower the law enforcement agencies for better handling of terror-related cases.

The bill was approved by the federal cabinet in the third week of September. However, it is yet to be tabled before the parliament for approval, would provide an effective mechanism to protect the witnesses in cases of terrorism.

The federal government believes that the situation in Karachi calls for strict measures in order to restore peace in the commercial hub of the country.

The draft bill gives law enforcing agencies the powers of preventive detention up to three months of any person involved in any offence under the Anti-Terrorism Act relating to security or defence of Pakistan, public order, targeted killing, kidnapping for ransom and extortion.

Protection of witnesses, judges and prosecutors are also provided by the draft amendment. The measures also include; using screens to shield witnesses, judges and prosecutors from public view; trial in jail premises or through video link; investigation and trial in another province and ensuring no access to mobile phones for prisoners in jail.

The proposed bill further includes measures for expeditious disposal of cases and to avoid unnecessary delays in the courts.

The federal cabinet has recommended including in the proposed bill that Rangers after prior warning, as considered necessary against persons committing a terrorist or scheduled offence, would be authorised to shoot or order to shoot before they are fired upon as provided under the existing law.