Sindh Minister for Industries and Commerce M A Rauf Siddiqui has directed the police officials to take stern action against the shopkeepers who are involved in the sale of theft cell phones and those technicians who are engaged in reactivation of the blocked SIMs.
He was speaking at a prize distribution ceremony held in honour of the best performing police personnel at Site Association of Industry (SAI) on Tuesday. The Minister emphasised the need for activating the crime bureau to verify all SIMs issued in the country.
He noted that thousands of illegal SIMs had been issued on a single NIC, which were being used for criminal activities. He further said that SIMs were easily available in markets and were being sold like vegetables without any verification. Rauf said that the cell phone companies must provide SIMs only on presentation of CNIC and the same should be delivered at the address mentioned on the card. He urged the need for providing better communication equipment to police officials, which will enhance their ability to response swiftly in case of any incident or tragedy.
The Minister said that foreign as well as local investors are reluctant to invest particularly in Karachi owing to the prevailing law and order situation. He observed that Karachi is the industrial and business hub of the country and if peace is disturbed here its impact would be felt all over the country. He suggested long and short-term planning for improving law and order in the city.
Speaking on the occasion, CCPO Karachi Saud Mirza said that efforts are being made to revive industrial and business activities in the city and provide better and safe environment to the general public. He informed that the department has purchased high-tech communication system and after providing training to police officials it will be handed over to them.
To a demand of SAI, he assured that permanent police pickets will be established at all exit and entry point of site industrial areas. Saud assured that action would be taken against all those shopkeepers who are involved in sale and purchase of theft mobile phones.
He also requested the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for taking appropriate measures in this regard. Leader of the Businessmen Group (BMG) and former president KCCI, Siraj Kassim Teli observed that around 70 percent of criminals use mobile phones for their illegal activities. He questioned the claim of Federal Interior Minister that out of one million unauthorised SIMs 80 percent have been blocked in such a short time.
Chairman Site Crime Monitoring Cell Younis Bashir said that the association has presented cash prizes in recognition of the bravery of the police official who foiled a bid to kidnap bank officer from the site industrial area without caring for their own life. Chairman SAI Wahab Lakhani said that law and order has started showing some signs of improvement after increase in the strength of police personnel in the area.
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