CTD Sindh tasked with listing citizens, students who travelled to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan

KARACHI:   The Sindh Apex Committee on Thursday tasked the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Additional IG Sanaullah Abbasi with compiling list of the people and students of religious seminaries who have been to Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan and returned or stayed there, said a statement issued here on Thursday.

This decision was taken in the 17th Apex Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad,  Corps Commander Karachi Lt. General Naveed Mukhtar, advisors to CM Maula  Bux Chandio, Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Siddque Memon, DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar, IG Sindh AD Khwaja, Additional IG Police Mushtaq Maher, Aditional IG CTD Sanaullah Abbasi, provincial heads of intelligence agencies, Home Secretary Shakeel Mangnijo, Prosecutor General Shahadat Awan and others attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed that the 93 madaris accused of supporting terrorists have been put on the Alert List. Their activities, visitors and funding are being monitored, the statement said.

The Apex Committee under the National Action Plan (NAP) also  decided to launch a crackdown against the criminals involved in the street crimes and drug dealers for sustainable peace in Karachi.

Syed Murtad Ali Shah said that operation against terrorists, target killers, extortionists, and kidnappers has produced encouraging results.

He added that the on-going operation has broken the backs of organized criminals, mafias and terrorist outfits but it doesn’t mean that the target has been achieved. Therefore, it must be made sustainable for which “we have to formulate strategy with collective wisdom,” he said.

It was also pointed out that those who have been bailed out in different heinous crimes have also indulged in street crimes. “The number of such criminals bailed out due to lack of evidences is  1400,” said the statement.

It was also observed that the drug mafias, drug traffickers are also active in the city and they are found supporting street crimes and  financing terrorist gangs to strengthen them. The areas where these gangs are stationed and operating have already been identified and the chief minister on the advice of the Apex Committee participants approved crackdown against them.

The IG police, AD Khowja told the meeting that selection of 8000 policeman has been finalized through NTS Test in which army officers were also inducted. He added that 4000 newly recruited policemen were being sent to Risalpur for training. “When their training is completed another 4000 would be sent”

The Corps Commander Karachi Lt. General Naveed Mukhtar said that he had made necessary arrangements for the training of the newly recruited policemen. He added that he was handing over six APCs to Sindh police and 500 weapons.

The IG said that he needed 400 square yards land to establish Forensic Lab in the city. On this Corps Commander Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhat said that he would talk to DHA and would try his best to arrange land for the purpose.

It was also pointed out that the sub national groups were also involved in criminal activities and working for terrorists would also be taken to task. The Rangers and police would conduct joint operation against them.

DG Rangers Major general Bilal Akbar briefed the meeting about the performance of the Rangers and their targeted operations.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad said that the CCTV cameras installed all over the city must be upgraded.