In order to somehow control targeted killings, arson and violence in Karachi the Sindh government here Tuesday decided to give police powers to the Frontier Constabulary (FC).

Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) already enjoy the police powers in the province. In a meeting held at the Chief Minister House, jointly presided over by CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Federal Interior Minister Abdul Rehman Malik, it was decided to further beef up existing security apparatus in Sindh, the FC would use police powers like the rangers.

However, the FC would be kept in reserve and used when needed. Inspector General of Police Sindh Wajid Ali Durrani told the meeting that the police have so far arrested 91 alleged target killers who have confessed of killing about 161 people.

He said more arrests are also on the cards and investigators of hopeful of extracting useful information from them to nab the criminal networks involved in the Karachi carnage.

The meeting was told that some criminal elements were working under the patronage of various political parties. It asked the police to initiate probe against them and get their credentials verified from the concerned political parties.

Moreover, police was asked to concentrate on field work to fight crime. In this regard it was decided that every DIG/SSP would visit police stations at least twice a week.

They would scrutinize the performance of every SHO and submit report to the IGP. This report would be submitted to the IGP and Home Secretary on every fortnight.

The meeting decided to award Rs5mn cash reward to any person who provided police information about any target killer. If photographs or video of a target killer provided to the police, the cash award would be Rs10mn.

Moreover, the identity of the informer would be kept secret. Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Abdul Rehman Malik urged the law enforcing officers to improve their performance and get Karachi rid of violence and targeted killings. Sindh Home Minister Manzoor Wassan, acting DG Rangers, additional chief secretary (home) and senior police officers attended the meeting.