Nov 17, 2010

Sindh: Crackdown on Terrorism to Be Strengthened


 

Following a serious car bomb attack and threats against governmental prosecutors by Taliban-linked Lashkar-e-Jhangvi terrorists, the government of Sindh province has decided on stronger action against Islamism in the region.

 

Below is an article published by MSN News:

 

Two Pakistani prosecutors today [13 November 2010] refused to represent the government in anti-terrorism cases against Taliban operatives and members of other militant groups due to threats issued to them and their families.

The lawyers, who were representing the government of southern Sindh province in cases against militants, informed courts about their decision during proceedings today.

The move came just two days after a powerful car bomb attack on a police facility in Karachi, the capital of Sindh, killed 18 people and injured over 100.

Officials have said the attack on the office of the Crime Investigation Department office was carried out by a group of 10 militants who wanted to get freed their detained colleagues.

Prosecutors Muhammad Khan Baro and Mubashir Mirza told the judges of anti-terrorism courts that they could no longer represent the government due to threats to them and their families.

They said they had requested the government to provide them security but this had not been done by authorities.

They said they would not appear in cases against militants unless security is provided to them and their families.

The prosecutors also filed a petition stating their stance in an anti-terrorism court.

The court summoned the Home Secretary and Prosecutor General of Sindh for the next hearing of the matter.

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has blamed the Taliban-linked Lashkar-e-Jhangvi group for the attack on the CID office in Karachi.

The CID has been spearheading a campaign against terrorism and banned militant groups in the southern port city and recently arrested six members of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

Taliban militants have targeted several offices of security and intelligence agencies across Pakistan either to secure the release of arrested colleagues or to kill them.

In a related development, the government of Sindh province today launched a fresh crackdown on the Lashkar-e- Jhangvi and decided to detain several leaders of the group who can create law and order problems, officials said.