Pakistan will improve anti-terror laws, says Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said anti-terrorism laws will be amended to effectively deal with the scourge of terrorism.

Legal experts say the current anti-terror laws have some lacunae and suspects are acquitted in view of weak cases. They are suggesting amendments to make the laws more effective to deal with terrorism.

Sharif hinted at amendments to laws during his second day of visit to the violence-hit port city of Karachi where he is seeking support from political parties and business community for a targeted operation against the miscreants, Xinhua reported.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said nearly 1,800 people were killed in targeted attacks in Karachi in the first six months of this year.

Sharif said the political parties have supported the suggestion to launch a "targeted campaign" against miscreants to be led by paramilitary forces. However, he ruled out military operations in the city.

"My government is alive to the situation in the city and all possible steps will be taken for maintenance of law and order," he asserted.

The prime minister presided over a high-level meeting of senior security officials and discussed administrative flaws in the city and a possible mechanism for starting targeted operations. He directed the intelligence agencies to maintain strong coordination with the police.

He said all the proposals would be carefully examined to check the situation in the economic hub of the country.

"I cannot remain oblivious to Karachi's situation and no-go areas will be eliminated at all costs," the prime minister said.

"operation against criminal elements will be ensured and directions of the supreme court regarding Karachi will be implemented in letter and spirit," he added.