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| India-Pakistan |
| Centre favours ISI, IB role in Karachi action |
| 2013-08-31 |
| [Dawn] The federal government submitted in the Supreme Court on Thursday that intelligence agencies were required to identify the first and second line leaderships of all criminal groups in different communities in the disturbed areas of Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... as well as of a hitherto unknown outfit, Muhajir Republican Army, so that action could be taken against them under the law. This was stated in a report submitted to a five-judge larger bench by Attorney General Munir A. Malik, who had been asked on Wednesday to inform the court about the stance of the federal government on providing assistance to the Sindh government in normalising the situation. The bench, which comprises Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Jawwad Khawaja, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, Justice Ather Saeed and Justice Azmat Saeed, is hearing implementation of its judgment in the Karachi law and order case. The report said the law and order situation in Karachi was in shambles when the present government took over in June. It said the city was confronted with multi-dimensional threats compounded by a rapid increase in population as over a period of time criminal gangs had matured into formidable syndicates by entering into alliances with terrorist organizations. "Unfortunately, various facets of these syndicates have succeeded in developing political patronage in various forms," the report said, adding that an "extremely careful and responsible handling is required to disentangle the situation". The report suggested that an outright major operation should be avoided in crime-infested Lyari ...one of the eighteen constituent towns of the city of Karachi. It is the smallest town by area in the city but also the most densely populated. Lyari has few schools, substandard hospitals, a poor water system, limited infrastructure, and broken roads. It is a stronghold of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. Ubiquitous gang activity and a thriving narcotics industry make Lyari one of the most disturbed places in Karachi, which is really saying a lot.... at all costs because "it could open an additional front". More visible security forces should be deployed in Kutchhi community-dominated areas. In addition to the existing coordination, the report said, both Intelligence Bureau and Inter-Services Intelligence should identify the first and second tier leaderships of all criminal groups in different communities in the troubled areas. The IB, through technical and communication intelligence, including geo-fencing, should collect evidence about criminal activities of these ringleaders. Individuals financing displaced persons in Badin or Thatta also needed to be identified. All-out efforts are needed to identify members of the Muhajir Republican Army and take action against them under the law. |
| Posted by:Fred |