Targeted operation against extortionists soon: Rehman Malik

KARACHI: Federal Interior Minister Rahman A. Malik has said that a crackdown was in the making against the extortionists eating away at Karachi’s businesses,

Talking to newsmen at the airport, he said that he had arrived here to take care of extortionists holed up in the metropolis.

To a question he said that government was bent upon bringing extortionism to a naught and that it would do with all it was worth.

“A sting operation to crush the gangs of Karachi involved in all sorts of street-crime was on the launchpad”, said Malik.

“This targeted-operation would soon get off the ground for all of you to see,” said he talking to the newsmen.

Going ahead, he said that all the allies in the ruling coalition were deeply concerned over the rising incidents of extortion.

“MQM, ANP, and PPP are against such crimes in letter and spirit”, the minister said responding to a query.

An indiscriminate action would be taken against the felons, Malik revealed adding, around 150 extortionists have already been put behind the bars in this regard.

For this, the minister said the police force would be beefed up in Karachi.

“Another 5,000 cops are needed to police the city”, the interior minister said.

Praising PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for his careful choice of words while giving out political statements, Malik condemned Punjab’s chief minister, Shahbaz Sharif, for spitting venom against the President Asif Ali Zardari.

“Being the ruler of half of the country (Punjab), Shahbaz should think twice before opening his mouth as it doesn't suit him to use such language against the chief executive of Pakistan”, said Malik.

Malik demanded of Sharif brothers to apologize for their hatchet jobs.

To a question, he said that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan was falling apart.