By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: On 24 December 2025, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, accompanied by SSP District South Mahzur Ali, visited Saint Patrick’s Church, Central Brooke Memorial Church, and Holy Trinity Cathedral to review security arrangements ahead of Christmas celebrations.
During the visits, the officers conducted a detailed assessment of the security situation and issued instructions to ensure foolproof security measures at the churches during the festive period. They met with church administrators to discuss security concerns and strategies, emphasizing that protecting the religious sites of minority communities remains a top priority for the police.
The church authorities and representatives of the Christian community expressed their gratitude for the visit and conveyed satisfaction with the comprehensive security arrangements overseen by SSP District South Mahzur Ali. The police reassured the public that all available resources would be employed to maintain safety and order during the holiday season.
The District South Police spokesperson confirmed that Karachi police remain on high alert to safeguard lives and property while promoting religious harmony throughout the Christmas period.
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Parliament approves tougher penalties for violent criminals
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan’s National Assembly has approved an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code aimed at strengthening punishments for violent criminals, following a bill presented by MQM-P lawmaker Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan in the standing committee. The amendment was passed with an overwhelming majority.
The bill targets offenders involved in heinous incidents against the public, such as snatching mobile phones followed by fatal shootings, looting women’s jewelry, and forcibly taking money from banks before killing victims to escape. Under the new law, such criminals will face minimum sentences of ten years.
The standing committee on interior, acknowledging Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan’s efforts, endorsed the measure, which will allow all cases of similar crimes to be tried in anti-terrorism courts. The law also permits authorities to arrest suspects without a warrant and present them directly before these courts, ensuring swift and stringent action against violent offenders.
