A petition was moved in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday against the rising incidents of targeted killings in Karachi, under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, making federal government through secretary interior, minister of interior, chief secretary Sindh, home secretary Sindh and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani respondents in the petition.
The petitioner, Tariq Asad, prayed the apex court to direct all the respondents to issue a proclamation of emergency under Article 232 in Karachi and call the armed forces under Article 245 of the Constitution to act in aid of civil authority until the criminals are eliminated. It has been pleaded that Karachi may be handed over to Army and federal minister for interior Rehman Malik be sacked for failing to maintain law and order in the economic hub of the country.
The petitioner has also prayed to the apex court to seek a comprehensive report from the authorities concerned regarding target killings in Karachi and direct the interior minister to disclose who are killing innocent people in the city and why he is unable to perform his duties. According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report total 1981 people were killed during last year in Karachi, of which 1726 were men, 177 women and 78 children.
According to the data 122 people were killed in January, 133 in February, 130 in March, 130 in April, 144 in May, 122 in June, 135 in July, 176 in August 71 in September, 173 in October 91 in November and 84 in December, 2010. The target killing increased in January 2011, in which over 75 persons have so far been killed in various attacks. The figure shows the weak performance of the LEAs that were bound to maintain law and order in the metropolis.
According to the petitioner, Rehman Malik has stated that elements involved in target killings are Pakistani citizens, residing in South Africa. They come to Karachi on flights and leave the country very next day after conducting attacks.
It is claimed that the proof of such individuals had been recorded in the report. He said in view of the statement it has been proved that despite enough evidence, the interior minister has failed to perform his duty and is not capable to continue.
The petitioner mentioned that the killing of large number of citizens including women and children, published in print media, is an offence of murder for which the minister of interior and others who are responsible be dealt with in accordance with law and if those deaths have been so caused due to the deliberate failure to perform his duties he may also be held responsible for those crimes.
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