Karachi: Extortion, kidnapping for ransom and target-killing have been almost eliminated from Karachi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Thursday as he was briefed by officials during a key meeting to review the progress of the ongoing operation against criminals and terrorists in the metropolis.
“It has almost been 2 years since start of the operation which was started with complete consensus. I believe the conditions in Karachi are much better now that two years of the operation are about to be completed.
“I do not say this myself, but this is what the people of Karachi are saying. I think this is a good development and everyone involved in this should be congratulated,” said the prime minister.
Sharif said that the operation was against criminals and not targeted towards political parties.
“All parties were present when we decided on this operation. And we decided that this operation will be against criminals, and I think we have followed that,” he said.
Speaking about the recent assassination attempt on Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Abdul Rashid Godil, Sharif hoped that the attackers would be caught.
“I hope the attackers would be apprehended just like we have reached the culprits behind the fatal attack on the Punjab home minister,” he said.
He said that the operation against terrorists had left the militants weakened.
“The terrorists are being defeated in every way. They are left with very little capacity. These few incidents, they are trying to give the perception that they are still alive. But we are very well aware of how weakened they have become,” said the prime minister.
Earlier, the prime minister was received by Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah upon his arrival in Karachi.
The prime minister also inaugurated the inaugurated the KANUPP-II and III power projects after arriving in the city. The premier is expected to meet members of the Parsi community before he departs.
