The Sindh Cabinet which met here with Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah in the chair at CM House has fully endorsed the ongoing military operation "Zarb-e-Azb" launched by the Pakistan Army against militants in North Waziristan. The Cabinet expecting retaliation by the militants and their associate groups has directed LEAs for preparing a foolproof and integrated security strategy in Karachi and other parts of the Sindh to meet with any eventuality of terrorists' reprisal attacks.
The Cabinet decided to maintain close liaison between all law enforcement agencies including Pakistan Army to ensure prompt and systematic actions against the criminals. The Cabinet decided to sensitise the other stakeholder organisations, management of the vital public and private installations to beef up their inside and outside security in addition to support from LEAs. The Cabinet decided to establish strong check posts at all exit and entry points of the Sindh border and same would be jointly monitored by Rangers and Sindh Police to stop aliens and criminals if any before entering in the jurisdiction of province. It was also decided that strict checking would be carried out at these check posts, so that no criminal could take the advantage and hide himself in the shape of IDPs. It was also decided necessary help will be sought from the Nadra to identify the nationality of the commuters. As such all the commuters travelling from other parts of the country have been advised to keep CNIC with them. The Cabinet decided to establish helpline with telephone number to get the information about suspected terrorists' activities from the public. The Cabinet directed the IG Police for early procurement of APC, Bullet Proof Vest/ Vehicles enabling the force to follow and fight the criminals.
The Cabinet decided/recommended the highest police medal to the Inspector General of Sindh Police, DIG Munir Shaikh, SSP Pir Muhammad Shah on account of their brave fight against terrorists during the operation against terrorists at Karachi Airport.
Addressing the meeting, Qaim Ali Shah said: "We are in a war situation and will face the situation with serious efforts." He directed the LEAs not to compromise on the security matters as it was their prime responsibility. He said that though the provincial intelligent agencies, special branch and CID were working well but these would be further developed and equipped with modern means and technology to combat the situation with success. He directed the IG Police to expedite the training to newly-recruited personnel and complete it within shortest possible time.
IG Sindh Police Iqbal Mehmood and Home Secretary Dr Niaz Abbasi briefed the Cabinet about the overall performance of targeted operation and new strategy to cope with any eventuality and retaliation by the terrorists in Karachi. They said that meetings were being held with law enforcement agencies and Pakistan Army and an effective security plan was being prepared. The Home Secretary said that all Commissioners have been directed to prepare the list of Vital Installations in their areas and identify security threats to these installations.