Sindh government has formed a joint task force, headed by DIG police and having representation from Rangers, ISI, IB and FIA, to launch an operation against extortion mafia in the city. This was announced by Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik while addressing a hurriedly called press conference here at the Chief Minister's House on Monday.
Home Minister Manzoor Wasan, Inspector General (IG) of Sindh Police Syed Mushtaq Shah and other officials of the provincial government were present on the occasion. Malik said that a helicopter would also be placed at the disposal of the task force for swift response in case of emergency. The DIG Police would look after the Extortion Cells already established in the city, he added. Malik informed that the decision to launch crack down on extortionists was taken in meeting at the CM's House, which was attended by Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and representatives of all federal/provincial law enforcement agencies.
He disclosed that the provincial government would pass an anti-extortion Act covering all the offences related to the crime while an anti-extortion cell would also be established in each police stations to be head by Additional SHOs who would keep a close liaison with the business community.
Giving details, he said that under the Act, 7 years imprisonment would be suggested for use of stolen phones or SIMs (without names) if used in any act of extortion. He further said that the police and rangers would establish check posts in and around Lyari on the model of Industrial Areas. Same check posts would also be established in Sherpao Colony, Liaquatabad and Orangi, he added.
Malik said that operation against the criminals would be launched from Tuesday without any discrimination. He informed that no SIM would be sold directly from 1st of May and the issued SIM shall be sent on the address of the buyer. "It will be mandatory for the mobile phone operators to inform the IMEI number to PTA enabling LEAs to trace stolen phones," Malik added.
The interior minister appreciated the action taken by police and rangers against the extortionists. He also appreciated the co-ordination between LEAs and Sindh police. Malik lauded the services of General Ijaz Chaudhry, former DG Rangers, Sindh, who he said played a prominent and efficient role in maintaining law and order in the city.
The interior minister said that a meeting would be held on monthly basis under the chairmanship of the Sindh CM to review law and order situation and operation against the extortion mafia. He added that a similar meeting would be held fortnightly under the chairmanship of the Sindh Home Minister. Speaking on the occasion, Wasan said that 12 alleged extortionists had been arrested since March 8.