Karachi action was transparent, taken without discrimination: Rehman Malik
ISLAMABAD, Sep 9 (APP):   Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Friday said security situation in Karachi is absolutely fine as operation there was transparent and taken without discrimination. “There was no hindrance in the course of operation in the city. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have categorically directed me to launch operation without any discrimination with the sole objective to ensuring peace and security to citizens,” he said this while talking to mediapersons after chairing a high level meeting here at the Parliament Lodges.
The meeting was held here following some threats to parliamentarians during which various measures were adopted to ensure fool-proof security in Parliament Lodges.
 “It is very clear that there is no room for terrorists  and there is no room for extortionists. The operation against these elements is a must and it would continue  with full force,” he said in reply to a a question.
 Rehman Malik,  stayed in Karachi for more than a month during the time operation was conducted.
He said one can judge the transparency of the  action that Lyari is considered to be a stronghold of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPp)) but operation was conducted there without   any fear that the party could  lose its electoral support.
 The Minister said since coming into power more than three years ago, the government has been facing  opposition and terrorism but “I salute to my leadership which has always pursued wise policies and took action against those who were trying to disrupt peace in the country.”
 He said this is resolve of the President, Prime Minister and at the same time resolve of the parliament that the operation against “Bhatta Khor”, drug mafia and anti-state elements will continue till their complete eradication.
 “We are taking this matter very seriously and a committee has been constituted by parliament. I will present each and everything related to Karachi operation before the committee,” he said.
 Replying to another question, he said the people arrested during Karachi operation represent all political partes. “No party can recruit criminals, but this is common practice that in majority of cases, criminals commit crimes and later try to take refuge in their parties,” he added.    
 Rehman Malik said before action, he had talked to   all political parties. Even ANP’s Shahi Syed and MQM’s Farooq Sattar had supported  the operation as they wanted to have peace in the city.
 The Minister said before visiting Lyari, he received a threat but he even then he visited the area. “I would not allow anyone to disturb peace and take “Bhatta.” As per information, he said every house in Lyari was paying Bhatta of Rs. 75 to 100 which will not be allowed at any cost in future.
 Rehman Malik said he had briefed the Federal Cabinet on Thursday and presented horrible audio and video tapes with list of criminals, committing  savage acts by killing the innocent citizens. 
 “I appreciate the Frontier Constabulary, Police and Rangers for doing a good job in controlling the situation and conducting the action to ensure peace in Karachi,” he told a questioner.
 Mr. Malik said after assembling all these forces, he, Chief Minister and Home Minister of Sindh planned and conducted the operation successfully.
 The Minister said the operation by civil forces was initially criticised but they all had shown commitment and efficiency.  “We have showed to the nation that how capable our civil forces are,’ he added.
 Answering another question, he said Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are present everywhere in Pakistan, adding that even the banned organization was also involved in Karachi carnage.
 He said the government is giving priority to extending protection to each and every citizen, adding that “we are not talking about the security of VIPs but the entire population of the Capital and other parts of the country.”
 About his visit to Attock, he said he went to Col. Khalid Masood’s native home in Mir Khan to offer Fateha and express sympathies with his family.
 Col khalid is our national hero. Entire nation is proud of him who  sacrificed his life in Quetta for the noble cause.
 On the occasion, MNA Begum Naseem Ch. thanked the Minister for taking steps to ensure security for the parliamentarians living in the parliament lodges.  She said two committees have also been constituted in this regard.