Interior Minister, Rehman Malik on Wednesday said as a result of proactive policies, peace has been ensured in the country except Karachi and one can roam even in the areas which were once hub of proscribed organizations.

He said “Now wherever we go, there is a peace. We can go to Gilgit and even to those areas which were once the hub of banned outfits. We can see peace and can roam without any fear,”.In an exclusive interview with APP, Rehman Malik said Karachi, being a mega and populated city, has certain issues that are linked with political settlement. However, for cause of peace and security, the government pursued its 3-D policy and line of action without caring for anyone, he added.

With regard to security, he said even the developed countries in the world are also facing turbulence due to a typical mindset that is spreading violence.“Extremism is increasing even in India and there is a need to combat this menace, threatening peace in the world,” he added.The Minister said during last five years he utilized all his energies and experience for improving overall security situation and ensuring peace in the country despite limited resources.

Rehman Malik said when the PPP Coalition Government came to power five years back, there were certain challenges including economy, energy, and terrorism.He said “I must appreciate my leadership with which support we managed to ensure peace, besides improving economic situation and minimizing the energy shortfall.”He said people are the best judge and they would decide what their government did during last five years.

He said the initial days of PPP government were difficult as there were bomb blasts and energy shortage but the government with its policies, managed to ensure peace and cut energy shortage in the country.Replying to a question, he said the policies adopted by the government brought about good results as Taliban have now become weak. He advised them to shun violence and stop killing innocent people.

Malik said beside ensuring peace, his Ministry also took measures to make the forthcoming elections free, fair and transparent as National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) jointly worked to prepare computerized list of voters.He said “Today 96 percent of adult population in Pakistan have Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC).” New and innovative smart card with 36 features, has also been introduced to facilitate people, he added.

The Minister said NADRA and Passport and Immigration Department have now established their offices abroad and even in remote area of the country to facilitate local population.Answering another question, he regretted the lukewarm response of the Punjab Government in taking action against banned organizations – Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) which has overpowered the Taliban.

“Had the Punjab government taken timely action against LeJ the situation in Karachi, Quetta and other parts of the country could have been averted,” he said, adding that a SoP has been prepared and hoped the interim regime would follow it for cause of peace.“The threat of LeJ still exists as they have become stronger and if appropriate action was no taken, they would create more problems,” he added.

Rehman Malik said he has always raised voice against the terrorists and would continue condemning their activities as Senator in the larger interest of the country.About Badami Bagh incident in Lahore, he termed it “unfortunate” and urged the Punjab Government to take prompt action against those involved in this heinous crime.

“I have details about the reasons of Badami Bagh incident and I would present them in the court if summoned” he added.The Minister paid tributes to Moharamrma Benazir Bhutto who came to Pakistan and sacrificed her life for the cause of democracy.He said leadership of Pakistan People Party (PPP) including President Asif Ali Zardari, had always raised voice for the cause of democracy and for people despite all problems.

“It is our duty to care for people, to further promote the democratic culture and to make Pakistan a developed and prosperous country,” he added.He said the government during last five years tried its best to deliver as per aspirations of people and would continue to raise voice for their rights.