Seven more dead as target killing continues in Karachi

Seven more dead as target killing continues in Karachi
--- Death toll in recent spat of targeted killings rises to 92; 230 injured

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

KARACHI, Aug 06 : Some seven more people fall prey to the incidents of targeted killings in the city on Friday.

The latest spell of brutal target killings started after the killing of MQM MPA Raza Haider on Monday has so far claimed 92 lives, while 230 others were injured.

Most of the areas were still under control of the outlaws who were killing innocent people and no effective measures were being taken on part of the government.

In a press conference held here at Karachi on Friday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik along with Home Secretary Sindh Dr Zulfiqar Mirza told the media persons that at least 195 suspects have been arrested and after grilling nine of them were found involved in the incident of targeted killing.

Malik said police and rangers are working in complete coordination. He said the law and order situation is being brought under control.

The minister said that law enforcement personnel shot and killed some miscreants, who were trying to torch buildings.

The Interior Minister made it clear that no criminal from any gang will be spared and vowed that peace will be restored in Karachi at all costs. He said necessary steps have been taken in this regard.

He said the government agencies were vigilant and they will carry out targeted actions against those found involved in this heinous crime.

Malik said that media was projecting the incidents of targeted killings wrongly by terming every incident of killing as the incident of targeted killing.

He also praised police officials for controlling the situation with meagre resources and also in joint collaboration with rangers they were participating efficiently.

Speaking at the press conference, the Sindh Home Minister rejected the reports of his absence from the scene when the city was on fire. He said he is at work and there should be no anxiety in the media over it.

“I am not an actor to show my face on TV screens. I’m doing my job by supporting police,” he remarked.

The situation on the other hand was very tense in this economic hub of the country as several areas of the city remained under control of the outlaws who set on fire several shops, vehicles and put the private transport in most of the areas out of gear.

People faced severe problems in reaching offices while many remained stranded in the areas where incidents of aerial firing were witnessed and the shopkeepers and traders were forced to close their businesses.

Some of the locals of Qasba Colony, Orangi Town and Pirabad told private news channels by telephone that they were facing acute shortage of food items and water because they cannot come out of their homes when outlaws are present at the streets.

People demanded of the government to take effective measures for their safety as most of the houses were set ablaze by the armed men who were ruling the streets and no official dares to stop them.