'Bhatta Mafia' to be dealt with iron hands: Malik

He has directed the law enforcement agencies to gather information so as to take stern action against “Batha Mafia” as was taken against target killers in Karachi.Talking to mediapersons after chairing a high level meeting here, he said the issue was discussed in detail and decided to make a strategy to achieve better and positive results. He said action would be taken against those who throw grenades and delivered Batha Slips. The government, he said, was focusing on internal security and was holding dialogue with all stakeholders in this regard.He said the basic focus of the meeting, also attended by home secretaries, provincial police chiefs and other officials concerned was the deweaponization.Rehman Malik said this was a national issue as computerization of arm licences would help eliminate fake ones and illegal weapons from the country.Answering a question, he said, “the deweaponisation drive is not confined to any city rather it is a country specific to help curb crimes and other incidents of lawlessness. We are getting input from all quarters so that action can be taken against the criminals including terrorists.”Giving further details of the meeting, he said the provinces agreed that National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) be asked to computerize their arms licences as a drive in that regard had already been launched at the federal level.The Minister said it was decided that a cell would be established at each district headquarter to renew or issue licences of Federation. The same Cell would also entertain those holding licences issued by the provinces.“Basically the objectives behind this move is to make each and every arm licence computerized,” he said, adding that this was very necessary as computerization would ensure transparency.Another important decision taken during the meeting, he said, was to activate the law relating to surrendering of illicit arms. This was an Act of 1991, where the federal government could issue a notification, authorizing the District Coordination Officer, Deputy Commissioner or other officer concerned to collect illegal arms which would be surrendered. A notification in this regard would be issued soon.Rehman Malik said this was the demand of the provinces, adding that the area of notification and timeline had been left with the provinces, which would decide in this direction.He said being a citizen of Pakistan anyone can acquire arm licences as per his or her requirements. “But possessing illegal arm is not fair which shows negative motives behind the move, so I appeal to the people to avoid keeping illegal arms and if they need an arm they should pursue the legal way,” he added.The other issues such as money laundering, cyber crimes etc. were also discussed during the meeting, he said and added the centre was supporting the provinces in combating the crimes.He appreciated media and Ulema for their cooperation in the fight against terror.Answering another question, he said, “We respect each and every order of Supreme Court and we will continue this in future as well.”The Minister said free media and free judiciary was linked with democracy and being a democratic government “we will always facilitate them in the larger national interest”.