KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday directed the Karachi Police to take strict action against the “miscreants” creating law and order situation in the metropolis following rumours making rounds in the city that roads would be blocked.
He asked the public not to heed rumours, saying the police will deal with sternly with the elements blocking roads or creating unrest in the metropolis.
The Sindh CM declared that the public as well private properties will be protected, adding that the provincial government had talked to all the people concerned on the issue. “All the stakeholders are of the unanimous view that they do not support miscreants under any garb,” he added.
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) July 15, 2022
He ordered the police to ensure that no road will be closed in Karachi and “strict action” would be taken against those found damaging public or private property and creating law and order in the City.
“If any miscreants tries to block any road, they should be dealt with severely,” he said. He further promised that “any mischief” or negligence on the part of the administration would not be tolerated.
The Chief Minister directed the Police to ensure the routine life of city at all costs.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES REMAINED SUSPENDED
On Friday, commercial activities in several localities of the metropolis remained suspended where the personnel of police and other law enforcement agencies carried out flag marches to maintain law and order.
However, after Friday prayers, protests were reported in the Sohrab Goth area where the police detained some people.
City police chief Javed Akhtar Odho told the media that some people tried to torch an old vehicle near Sohrab Goth and damaged other property after zuhr prayers. He, however, said, the police took immediate action and detained around 10 to 15 people.
“Since Thursday evening, over 45 persons have been arrested over charges of rioting and arson,” Odho said, adding that detainees had been identified with help of video clips obtained from the site.
Yesterday, several political parties, including JI, MQM-Pakistan, Awami National Party, and nationalist leaders Jalal Mehmood Shah and Ayaz Latif Palijo issued statements, urging both Sindhis and Pakhtuns — the two groups at the heart of these tensions — to demonstrate restraint. ‘
They also demanded the government take prompt action to defuse the tensions.
It is to be noted that on Tuesday, Kaka was killed and five of his companions were injured in a scuffle at a hotel in Hyderabad, drawing an angry reaction from nationalist parties who believed the attackers were Afghan nationals.
