The Daily DAWN, July 15, 1998

Concerned citizens want withdrawal of rangers

KARACHI, July 14: A group of concerned citizens of Karachi here on Tuesday demanded withdrawal of the rangers and para-military forces from Karachi, saying "it is a prerequisite for an improvement in the law and order situation in the port city".

They stated that it was a general understanding that some of the rival factions and criminals seem to have official patronage, which is not conducive to peace. It was hurting the credibility of the law-enforcers, they added.

These observations were made by the concerned citizens at a meeting attended, among others, by a number of distinguished citizens, including Lt-Gen Sardar S. F Lodhi, Prof Husnain Kazmi, Brig. Z. A Khan, Mr. Nazim F. Haji, Syed Javed Iqbal, Barrister Shahida Jamil, Dr. Fahim Ansari, Col.(Retd) Ghulam Mohiuddin, Barrister Mohammad Jamil and Maj (Retd) M. S Javeed Siddiqui.

It was stated in the meeting that the administration was giving an explanation that the killings in the city were taking place on account of a political infighting, which is not an acceptable explanation.

"All these murders be investigated thoroughly and if required with the assistance of local elected representatives, and the culprits then brought to book".

"Peace in Karachi is not only integral to progress and prosperity, but also very much dependent on the city's peace.

"The steps taken so far are similar to the last eight years which proved futile and unsuccessful".

It was suggested that the Home Department which is responsible for the maintenance of law and order be placed under the all the elected representatives for a certain period of time.

It was stated that about 93,000 legal and illegal automatic weapons be taken back.-PPI