Gen orders crackdown on 30 terror groups in Karachi

It analysed violence in Karachi in the past two-and-a-half years and said around 30 terrorist groups operated from the city. Fifteen of these groups took part in sectarian violence while the rest were jehadi outfits fighting against western interests, the Daily Times reported. It also identified 21 top terrorists who were mostly locals. The ‘‘wanted list’’ included Amjad Farooqi, an activist of banned Jaish-e-Muhammad who is currently vigorously pursued by Pakistan and US security agencies for masterminding the recent assassination attempts on Musharraf.

The other wanted militants included Asif Chotoo, Naveed-ul-Hassan, Raza Imran and Saud Memon.

The report said the threat of violence loomed large as ‘‘the wanted terrorists were out on prowl. Therefore, the threat of further acts of terrorism looms large.’’

The report was presented to Musharraf when he visited Karachi to review the security arrangements after the attack on the Karachi Corps Commander. So far 184 terrorists have been arrested, 79 convicted, and 51 awarded death sentences.