Shehdadpur:Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, while speaking to the media at the Police Training College in Shahdadpur, expressed deep sorrow over the Gul Plaza tragedy, stating that precious human lives had been lost and the entire provincial government was in mourning. He said that an FIR had been registered in connection with the incident, including sections related to negligence and carelessness, and assured that action would be taken against those responsible in accordance with the law.
The minister emphasised that tragedies such as the Gul Plaza incident should not be turned into political controversies. However, he regretted that the matter was being linked to the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the NFC Award, which he described as beyond understanding. Criticising leaders of the MQM, he said that politics over dead bodies was unacceptable under any circumstances. He added that such incidents could occur in Lahore, Peshawar, or any other city.
Mr Lanjar clarified that the lease of Gul Plaza had been granted in the past and that the Chief Minister of Sindh had already placed all facts of the tragedy before the nation. He further stated that the Chief Minister had announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased, and affected traders would also be provided rebuilt shops.
Speaking about law and order, the home minister said that maintaining peace in the province was the government’s top priority. He added that full-scale measures were underway to eliminate dacoits in the katcha areas or compel them to surrender. He also informed that a special task force had been established to combat narcotics, which was working effectively.
Earlier, the Sindh home minister addressed a passing-out parade at the Police Training College, congratulating newly inducted police personnel on taking the oath. He expressed hope that they would uphold their commitment and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property. He said that the sacrifices of Sindh Police were a matter of pride, and that police personnel remained engaged in safeguarding the public from urban centres to riverine belt areas.
He claimed that, by the grace of Allah, there were no “no-go areas” left in Sindh, though operations were still ongoing in the katcha regions of Ghotki and Kashmore. Referring to President Asif Ali Zardari’s vision, he said that a large number of dacoits in Shikarpur had surrendered and were now facing legal proceedings.
The minister stated that Sindh and Punjab Police were jointly conducting operations in border regions. He thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for appreciating the performance of Sindh Police and Rangers, and said that peace could only be further strengthened through coordinated cooperation.
Speaking about Karachi, Mr Lanjar said that the crime rate in the city had significantly declined compared to previous years, and that Karachi’s crime rate was lower than many major cities around the world. He directed police officials to further improve performance and maintain public trust. He expressed hope that the newly appointed Inspector General of Sindh would raise police morale further. He also praised the principal of the Police Training College and her team, stressing that modern training, specialised skills-based courses, and the development of professional police officers were essential needs of the time, as social progress was not possible without the rule of law.
IG Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho, while addressing the passing-out parade, said that 683 including 263 ladies police personals had successfully completed their training. He emphasised that policing was not merely about force, but a commitment to the rule of law, respect for human rights, discipline, and public service. He appreciated the efforts of the training college administration and said that modern facilities and professional training were a source of pride for young officers. The IG congratulated all passing-out personnel and expressed hope that they would serve Sindh Police with honesty, courage, and justice.
The principal of the Shahdadpur Police Training College, Ms Zahida Parveen, also addressed the gathering. Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Mari, PPP leaders Ajiz Dhamra and Alauddin Junejo, along with Javed Nayab Laghari, Naveed Dero, and others, were also present on the occasion.