Rangers told to shoot on sight in Karachi | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Rangers told to shoot on sight in Karachi

By Azfar-ul-Ashfaque

KARACHI: The interior minister said on Thursday that the Rangers had been ordered to shoot on sight anyone trying to incite violence in Karachi.

Mr Malik flew down to the metropolis to meet the leadership of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Awami National Party in a bid to end the cycle of violence that broke out after the murder of MPA Haider Raza four days ago.

Talking to reporters at the airport, Mr Malik hinted that the army could be called out in Karachi if needed.

The interior minister first held a meeting with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan at the Governor’s House. From there he and the governor drove to the MQM headquarters, commonly known as Nine Zero, to offer condolences over Mr Raza’s murder.

Mr Malik told journalists after emerging from the Muttahida office that he had given a shoot-on-sight order to the director general of the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, to protect life and property.

“There will be no relaxation as we want to give peace to Karachi,” he added.

The Karachi violence was aimed at destabilising the country, the interior minister said. “We have to collectively fight against those who want to get Pakistan declared a failed state.”

He said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would arrive in Karachi on Friday to review the law and order situation.

Later Mr Malik met leaders of the ANP at Mardan House and offered Fateha for those who lost their lives in the current violence.

In a media talk there, Mr Malik said the government would give compensation to those who have died in the violence and whose properties had been damaged.

Accompanied by Sindh ANP President Shahi Syed, he appealed for peace in the city and said that all parties must unite to foil conspiracies.
Source: Dawn
Date:8/6/2010