Sindh government did not take steps to end extortion, target killings: SC

KARACHI: Taking suo moto notice a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, announced the verdict that the Sindh government did not take any effective measures to stop target killings and extortion in Karachi.

The chief justice said that according to DG Rangers target killings are being carried out under the prevailing political umbrella, adding, political parties are using terrorists and criminals for their interests.

He said that the presence of the army to maintain peace in Karachi is not the solution.

Citing the Qur'an the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said, "Killing one person is tantamount to killing humanity."

According to the chief justice, the Supreme Court has received a list of criminals belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamat-e-Islami (JI), Awami National Party (ANP), Mutahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Sunni Tehreek (ST).

Target killers like Ajmal Pahari and Kamran Madhuri had political support, said Justice Chaudhry, adding, a petition has been filed to ban the MQM.

The Supreme Court took the suo moto notice on the target killings in Karachi on August 24.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that the government can take action against any political party under the Constitution.

Around 1500 people have been killed over nine months in Karachi violence .