KARACHI: During his first visit to the provincial capital of Sindh after taking oath as Interior Minister at the centre, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday said Karachi’s law and order situation could not be handled in a relaxed manner.

Speaking to media representatives upon his arrival at the Jinnah International Airport, the interior minister strongly emphasised on the need to assess the law and order situation in Sindh, particularly in its capital, adding that he had undertaken the trip to enhance his understanding of the security situation in Karachi.

Nisar said it was the responsibility of the provincial government to ensure law and order in the city, but ways of enhancing coordination between the centre and the province in order to improve security would also be discussed during his visit.

Moreover, Nisar said he was unaware as to who was spreading rumours about the possibility of imposing governor’s rule in Sindh.

Responding to a question, the interior minister said he would hold talks with Pakistan Muslim League – Functional’s chief Pir Pagara regarding the upcoming presidential election and seek his advice on the matter.

The minister is likely to hold meetings with Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad.

He will also preside over a meeting of heads and senior officials of security and law-enforcement agencies in the province.

The interior minister’s visit to Karachi acquired significance because of a recent controversy over his last month’s statement in which he reportedly ‘warned’ the Sindh government to improve security situation.

The PPP and the MQM protested against the statement, terming it interference in the affairs of the province.

The minister later clarified the National Assembly that his statement had been reported out of context and he had not given any warning to the Sindh government. He also said that the federal government would fully cooperate with provincial governments and provide every assistance whenever desired to help them maintain law and order.

Karachi has been a victim of incidents of terrorism and target killings for many years and the situation remains unchanged in several parts of the city.