Confused Sindh govt cancels APC

KARACHI In the latest display of confusion that haunts Sindh, the government cancelled a hurriedly called all-party conference (APC), which it had earlier convened today (Friday) to discuss prevailing law and order situation of city. An official statement issued from CMs House late Thursday cited non-availability of a considerable number of political leaders, who had been invited to attend the APC, as the reason for the postponement of the moot. It said that the most of the leaders have proceeded to perform Umrah. Earlier, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah had called an all-party conference to discuss the prevailing law and order situation and recent 'surgical operation against in different areas of the city. The CM had also formed a committee with a task to invite the political leadership of Sindh, but in a surprise move the event was cancelled by the government. Earlier in the day, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told a press conference at new Sindh Secretariat that government has not convened any APC, but a meeting of political parties was summoned to discuss the situation. Replying to a query, he clarified that proposed meeting of all parties; stakeholders of Karachi at CMs House will be briefed by government about the objectives of ongoing operation against the culprits. He said the government wants to take on board all the political parties on steps being taken by the government. A committee has been formed to invite the politicians. At least 26 political parties will participate in the meeting, he added. About the achievements of operation in the city, he said that law enforcement agencies conducted about 100 raids during last two days on August 23 and 24, in which 165 suspects have been arrested. He insisted that it was a targeted action and it was not against any particular political party or community, rather it was an across the board action initiated after consultation with all political parties in city. Also on Thursday, Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah convened a meeting at CMs House which was attended by Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Ahmed Shah and others. The meeting reviewed overall law and order situation in Karachi, results of the targeted operations and the efficacy of the joint measures adopted by provincial and federal agencies. Expressing its satisfaction over the results so far achieved in the targeted operations in Karachi, the meeting announced that the surgical action will continue till the complete elimination of the criminals. The meeting decided to enhance the coordination among the authorities concerned and to continue the operation till the law and order is restored fully. Meanwhile, AIG Police Saud Mirza told the media that government was considering amending the law to waive off the condition of independent witness in the courts. He said that narcotics law already in place does not require any independent witness, and if the same method is applied against the target killers they would be unable to walk free from the courts. Separately, PPP central leader and federal minister Khursheed Ahmed called on Chief Minister Qaim Ali at CMs House and briefed him about the talks held between MQM and PPP leaders in Islamabad. The MQM side was led by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad in the talks. The federal minister also apprised the chief minister about problems and development schemes in his constituency. The chief minister assured him that the provincial government will extend full cooperation for development schemes. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on Wednesday claimed to have detained some 50 suspects and recovered huge cache of weapons from their possession. According to police sources, the search operations were conducted by police with the assistance of Rangers in different areas of the city including Chenesar Goth, Mehmoodabad, Empress Market Saddar, Sarjani Town, Majeed Colony, Quaidabad, Sir Syed Town and Block no 5 of FB Area. They said the law enforcers besieged these areas and conducted house-to-house search initially in Chenesar Goth and later extended their operation to rest of the aforesaid areas. They said the LEAs had detained 50 suspects from Chenesar Goth, seven from Express Market, two from Sarjani Town, 12 from Majeed Colony, an extortionist belonging to certain political party from Sir Syed Town and another extortionist namely Saddam from FB Area, Block No 5 in overnight operations. Police sources said these suspects, who were said to be extortionists, drug peddlers and other criminals, were transported to undisclosed place for interrogation. They further said the LEAs had also recovered weapons from their possession. The eye-witnesses said these areas were cordoned off by the LEAs and the detained people, who were blindfolded and their hands were tied, were gathered at open places and then shifted to unknown place. Some citizens alleged these operations were creating problems for innocent people as they were detained and interrogated while their families are forced to pay handsome amounts to the law enforcers to secure their release.