Rangers have taken control of 'Katti Pahari': Malik

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the Rangers have taken control of the pickets of terrorists positioned on top of 'Katti Pahari' in Orangi Town area.

"Adjoining areas are also gradually coming under the control of Rangers and the Police," he said while talking to media persons along with PML(F) chief Pir Saheb Pagara here on Saturday.

He said that people had left their homes are coming back and they were being provided relief goods by the government functionaries.

He said that he himself on Sunday visited the affected areas of Orangi Town where situation was improving. Besides Rangers, Police, 250 FC men have been deployed while rest was on its way from Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.

Malik further revealed that 87 terrorists have been arrested from the affected areas and further revealed that terrorists are using children and elders as human shield. "Therefore, we keep on changing our strategy," he added.

Moreover, he said the intelligence sources have also revealed that some terrorists are operating on the directives of those already in jails.

"We are trying to trace their communication system," he added.

He said the President and Prime Minister have given instructions for zero tolerance in action against terrorists to bring peace in Karachi.

To a question, Rehman Malik said that there will be complete and strategic targeted operation in the disturbed areas where necessary without any discrimination.

"Enemies want to destabilise the economic hub of the country but the government will foil all such conspiracies with the help of the people and media," he pointed out.

Interior Minister said that he visited Kingri House specially to seek guidance from today's one of most senior politician and with messages of well wishes by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He himself was working with the leadership of MQM, ANP, JUI and particularly Pir Saheb Pagara and they all have supported efforts of the government to restore peace in the metropolis which is backbone of the country.

Rehman Malik said that there are some politicians and even media personnel who are giving irresponsible statements which is regrettable and they should desist in giving such statements.

Interior Minister said that it was on the requisition of the provincial government that Rangers was deployed in Karachi. "Government and Federal Government have full backing of the actions of Rangers who have no been given powers that of Police."

"Government is fully determined to protect the life and property of the people and it is our prime responsibility to bring peace not only in Karachi but across the country," he added.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011