The hearing of the Karachi law and order case was held at the Supreme Court’s registry here on Wednesday.

  

A five member bench of the apex court reviewed the performance of the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that police, Rangers and FC had all failed in maintaining law and order in the city.

  

During proceedings, Director General (DG) Rangers informed the court that the elimination of militant wings of political parties was central to ending violence in the city.

  

To this chief justice replied that the court had given its decision two years and four months ago, so why was it not implemented.

  

The chief justice asked: What was the power which was stopping the Rangers and police from performing their duties and why were no results obtained in two years.

  

DG Rangers informed the court that members of the political parties  militant wings had been arrested, and following the Supreme Court decision there was law and order in the city for five months.

However, the arrested individuals were released on bail.

  

DG Rangers added that several key criminals were arrested but were released due to poor investigation.

  

The Supreme Court during proceedings summoned a report of killings in the city during the last month.

The chief justice said that the court’s decision should be implemented and peace be restored in Karachi.

  

The apex court also summoned Attorney General Munir A Malik on Thursday and sought the stance of the federal government on law and order in the city.

  

The court stated that the primary responsibility of law and order rests with the police, adding that the FC and Rangers were there for support. The chief justice asked for assurance that there would be no bloodshed in the city on Thursday.

  

The chief justice said that there was extortion taking place in every area of the city.

He asked that how could one perform honestly when police stations and SHOs were bought in the city.

  

In reply to statement by the Deputy Attorney General that law and order was a provincial matter, Justice Gulzar Ahmed replied that if this meant that the federation was not concerned with the law and order situation in the city.

  

The hearing of the case has been adjourned till Thursday.