KARACHI: The corps commander of Karachi, Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar, spent a busy day on Tuesday and met the Sindh governor, the chief minister and the Rangers chief one by one and came up with the message that the crackdown launched after Monday’s violence that broke out after the MQM chief’s address to his workers would not be going to an end anytime soon as he showed resolve to continue the operation against those “who incited violence and damaged public property”.

The corps commander held a meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad at Governor House and discussed with him the overall situation in the province. Progress in targeted operations, as well as the law and order and security ahead of the Eidul Azha were also discussed, according to a Governor House statement issued said.

“It was resolved that no conspiracy to incite people against the solidarity of the country would be tolerated and any such elements would be brought to justice,” said a statement issued by Governor House. “No one would be allowed to harm the country and peace in the metropolis would be maintained at any cost. To achieve this, the Karachi operation would continue till the elimination of all terrorists. The two agreed that that peace in Karachi means peace in the country and stern action would be taken against those creating law and order.”

His meeting at CM House with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah ended with same pledges from both sides. A CM House statement said that a discussion regarding the hate speeches delivered on Monday was held. The two showed determination that the sacrifices of the law-enforcement and security agencies would not go to waste which they offered for the Karachi peace, it added.

The detailed meeting was held at the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh headquarters, where technical and operational subjects came under discussion. It was the occasion which Lt Gen Mukhtar preferred to hint at the future course of action against all those who challenged the writ of the state and attempted to destabilise the city peace.

“The corps commander showed serious concerns over hate speech which carried anti-Pakistan remarks,” said a Rangers statement. “He was given a detailed briefing by the Rangers officers about the action taken by the paramilitary force after the violence broke out in the city. The corps commander appreciated the role and performance of the Rangers to ensure peace in the city.”

During his meeting with director general of Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar, Lt Gen Mukhtar issued directives to continue action against those “who incited violence and damaged public property”.

“The corps commander issued directive to continue the operation against those who incited for violence and damaged the public property. The crops commander also lauded the role of people of Karachi, who have always rejected the anti-Pakistan elements,” said the statement.

Published in Dawn, August 24th, 2016