KARACHI - Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad yesterday said the provincial government owned the operation launched against criminals and terrorists and would continue at all cost.
Addressing a meeting of ulema and religious scholars from different sects, he said the impression recently developed was completely wrong as the government was standing by the armed forces that were fighting for the survival of the country.
He lauded the harmony during Muharram-ul-Haram and said there should be the same spirit during Rabiul Awwal. The meeting was called to review security and other arrangements with regards to Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Pbuh). Shah Turab-ul-Haq Qadri, Maulana Asfandyar Khan, Qari Muhammad Usman, Haji Hanif Tayyab, Siddique Rathore, Maulana Yaqoob Attari, Allama Furqan Abidi, Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Religious Affairs Qayyum Soomro, the Rangers DG, the Karachi commissioner, the IGP, special home sectary and others attended the meeting. On this occasion, special prayers were offered for the martyrs of the Peshawar APS.
The governor said the role of ulema and religious scholars was crucial to maintain religious harmony. He added the efforts launched about two years ago had united the people against terrorism.
Lauding the service of the rangers, the governor said their action against criminals, terrorists, extortionists and others brought back peace in the city while security forces also sacrificed their lives during the operation.
“The Centre and Sindh government do not want to stop the armed forces’ action. The national action plan prepared two years ago will continue at any cost. It is a high time and the operation cannot be halted. Federal and provincial governments will continue the operation as no one wants to disturb the Karachi peace,” Ebad said
The governor asked ulema and religious scholars to cooperate with the Rangers, police and civil authorities and prove that they were good Muslims and Pakistanis.
Talking about the government’s programmes to mark Rabiul Awwal, adviser to CM Quyyum Soomro said for the first time, Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department would hold three major events in this regard. Furthermore, the government has also decided to form a religious committee, comprising ulema, Rangers and police, at district level.
Ulema assured the administration of their cooperation. They said they would maintain harmony and sit together to resolve disputes, if any. They also lauded the efforts of the security forces to maintain peace in Karachi and urged the provincial government to give unconditional powers to Rangers immediately.
Meanwhile, Rangers Director General Maj-Gen Bilal Akbar called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad at the Governor House and discussed with him various issues, including law and order situation in Karachi, and the efforts made by the paramilitary force.
The security plans regarding 12th of Rabiul Awwal also came under discussion during the meeting. Maj-Gen Bilal Akbar said it would be the Rangers’ priority to maintain peace and keep law and order situation under control during the Rabiul Awwal celebrations.