KARACHI: Dr. I.H. Qureshi, Deputy Minister of Interior … categorically stated in Karachi on Wednesday [Oct 12] that “no political significance attaches to the Pakistan Public Safety Ordinance and that there never was or is any intention of using it as an instrument of political policy.” … Apprehensions regarding its misuse were entirely unfounded, he added: “The Ordinance has been promulgated entirely on security grounds and for the maintenance of public order.” … []This subject has been under the consideration of the Central Government for more than a year and they took the decision … after most careful consideration and due consultation with the Provincial Governments.

“... [t]he Ordinance simply provides for action against contingencies in which the action taken or contemplated by a Province may not be adequate to the requirements of the situation or where co-ordination and Central direction is absolutely essential.

“There have been cases in which criminals have taken shelter in one part of Pakistan and, although chased from one Province to another, they have … defied the Provincial Governments. …” — News agencies

Published in Dawn, October 13th, 2024