Karachi targeted operation – 36 more arrested

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) — Pakistan Rangers arrested at least 36 people on Saturday on the second day of the targeted operation that they launched in the country’s violence-hit southern port city of Karachi against terrorists, target killers, kidnappers and extortionists, local media reported.

Local media, quoting Rangers officials, said that they had arrested 29 people including three female robbers in Orangi Town and seven from a plaza in Gulberg Town, bringing the tally of arrested people to 67 in two days.

In the Saturday evening, Rangers cordoned off a commercial building “Yousuf Plaza” and launched a detailed search operation and arrested seven miscreants including three target killers who were hiding in a flat.

Rangers also recovered automatic guns, pistols and hand grenades from the possession of the detained people, who reportedly belong to the militant wing of a political party.

The operation was launched after a special cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Karachi on Wednesday which approved the start of targeted operation to address the deteriorating law and order situation in the business hub of the country.

Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan told media that 450 criminals had been identified in the intelligence reports and action would be taken against them and their aids.

On Friday, rangers along with police personnel conducted sudden raids at certain places in more than six areas and arrested 31 persons including target killers, extortionists, drug dealers and kidnappers.

According to Human Rights groups, over 2,000 people were killed in attacks in the first eight months of the current year, mostly by gun shots.

“There is no specific time frame of the operation and the action will continue until peace is established in the city,” an official said.

The action was taken after a sudden surge in the daily incidents of target killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion that has badly affected business activities in Karachi, a city with over 20 million population.

Local courts have also sped up the hearing the cases of kidnappers, killers, terrorists and extortionists. On Friday, courts sentenced two extortionists for seven year imprisonment while on Saturday two more were sent to jail of 19 years term each.

Official reports say that dozens of leading businessmen have shifted their business and families to other countries due to insecurity in the city.

A joint investigation report by the intelligence agencies revealed that most of the killings take place in the result of political, religious and ethnic confrontation between various rival groups and mafias in the city. The report also said that major political parties of the country have their militant wings that they use to control the black money and politics of the city.

Source : news.xinhuanet.com