`Govt trying to restore peace in city`

KARACHI, March 27: Expressing concerns over increasing targeted killings in the country`s commercial capital, Federal Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the government is trying hard to bring back peace and stability to the metropolis since a peaceful Karachi is essential for a prosperous and stable Pakistan. She said this in staggered interaction with different facets of the media talk at a local hotel. Talking about the multi-faceted problems, she said that these could not be solved single-handedly. As the Pakistan People`s Party did not have a simple majority in the national assembly to stick to its own decisions, consultation with coalition partners was essential to address the issue, she added. She said that with the support of the coalition partners, peace and stability would be restored to the metropolis. She said law-enforcement agencies were being empowered to deal with cr iminals. Despite much criticism of the government`s policy in the handling of law and order and targeted killings, Dr Awan reiterated the government`s resolve that eventually it would eliminate the menace of terrorism and would not compromise on national interests. When asked to comment on the contempt of court notices issued by the apex court to some PPP leaders, the information minister said the PPP had not made any comment on the Supreme Court`s order. She said the PPP had respect for the courts and in this case also the party`s point of view would be presented in court.