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Sleeper cells of terror outfits biggest threat to peace in Karachi: Police

Islamabad: Law enforcers in Karachi have said that despite remarkable successes achieved in the anti-terror operation in the metropolis during the past two years, "sleeper cells" still exist which are a 'biggest threat to peace'.
Sleeper cells is a term used to define those criminals who are fully assimilated in the society, hold regular jobs and attend university, but act only in specific terrorist attacks.
The law enforcers claimed that the ongoing operation has resulted in a 70 per cent drop in terror-related activities during the past two years and law enforcers are making concerted efforts to eliminate the sleeper cells of terrorist outfits which still exist in the metropolis.
Addressing a joint news conference in Karachi, Additional Inspector General of Police, Karachi, Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar and Rangers spokesman Colonel Amjad said target killing has plummeted to an average two per day as against about a dozen two years ago.
On this occasion representatives of traders demanded a mechanism to ensure continuity of the operation and de-politicisation of police for a 'sustainable' peace in the city.
The police chief said heinous crimes such as targeted killing, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and terrorism had been reduced by up to 70 per cent but cell phone and motorbike snatching was still a challenge for the law enforcers.
While sharing Karachi operation's two-year progress, Additional IG Mahar admitted that due to some weaknesses in police investigation and the criminal justice system, some criminals got bail from courts. He said most of such cases pertained to illegal arms.
"At least 90 per cent accused held on charges of heinous crimes were in jails and many of them have been awarded punishment," he said. Mahar said up to 70 per cent reduction in crimes was made possible partly because 'big fish' was taken to task.
The police made significant progress in four high-profile cases in recent weeks, he said, adding that the cases included the killings of Advocate Syed Amir Haider Shah, senior police officers and traffic police constables, and the deadly attack on MQM lawmaker Rashid Godil.
Robberies and street crimes had been reduced by 65pc and 50 per cent, respectively, said Mahar.
He said 286 terrorists, 38 kidnappers and 10 extortionists were killed and 3,000 other 'hardcore criminals' were arrested in 3,500 'encounters' during the past two years.
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