Measures being taken to restore peace in Karachi: Malik

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Friday said the government and law enforcing agencies are taking serious measures to control criminal activities in Karachi.

He said efforts are being made to restore peace in Karachi, a business hub of the country.

He said several meetings have been held with law enforcing agencies and stakeholders to improve law and order situation in the mega city.

"We are deeply concerned about the law and order situation in Karachi city and government is taking stringent measures against the miscreants without any discrimination," he said.

Replying to a question, he said that there are a number of issues which need to be tackled with collective efforts.

He said Karachi is facing issues of ethnic and sectarian tensions, extremism and extortion of money.

He said a task force has been established to deal with extortion mafia which is targeting innocent people and traders of Karachi.

Interior Minister said certain elements wanted to derail peace in Karachi and destabilise the country but they will not achieve success in their nefarious designs.

"We are collecting information against the elements involved in sabotaging peace in Karachi and action would be taken without any discrimination," he added.

Rehman Malik said after coming into power, Pakistan Peoples Party government has to face a number of problems.

He said the President and the Prime Minister are very serious to bring normalcy to Karachi and several meetings were held to improve the situation without any further delay.

He said it is responsibility of all political parties including Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and citizens of Pakistan to come forward to work for welfare and progress of Pakistan.

Rehman Malik urged media to play effective role in campaign against extortion mafia to save people from their criminal activities.

The Minister asked people to provide information against the miscreants and anti-social elements so that quick action could be taken against them.

He said PPP government introduced reforms in FATA to improve socio-economic conditions in the tribal areas.