ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said government has decided to increase security budget at once and issued orders of launching crackdown upon networks of banned religious and civilian outfits working against the interest of Pakistan, Geo news reported on Friday.

He also informed media of the arrests of militants hailing from banned religious outfit Lashker-e-Jhangvi from Islamabad, one of whom, was later identified as commander Qaiser Mavia.

Talking to Geo news correspondent Asif Ali Bhatti, Malik said the high-level meeting, held under chairmanship of PM Gilani himself, has decided the development budget could be cut short in order to meet security budget necessities.

He said government has resolved to bring quick improvement in four sectors of police department across country, including provision of advanced armaments, equipping policemen with advanced training, and plans on improvised facilitates for police officials.

All four provinces cum federation have reached on agreement to bring betterment in security and police management, meanwhile, recommendations over this issue are being compiled, he said.

Top police officials will be eligible to take swift action against the SHOs under anti-terrorism act, if they fail to take action against the presence of terrorists and extremists in the areas lying under their jurisdictions, he added.

Qaiser Mavia, the chief commander of banned Lahskar-e-Jhangvi outfit, has been booked from Islamabad, he added.

KARACHI: At least seven persons received injuries when two rival groups clashed in Baldia town locality of Karachi on Friday, Geo news reported.

According to police sources, two groups resorted to fire cracking weapons and batons to render torture on others over scuffle inflicted by children.

Seven of them sustained critical injuries who have been admitted to a private hospital for medical attainment, sources said.

Injured persons were later identified as Ameer Ali (36), Aftab Azad (31), Sajjad Ali (20), Kashif Gujar (40), Ahmed Ali (28) and Saala Ali (17), sources concluded.

MIAN CHANNU: At least five persons lost their lives and 26 injured in traffic accident occurred in Mian Chunnu and Bore Wala areas on Saturday, Geo news reported.

According to sources, three of a family were among dead people meanwhile, injured people have been moved to hospital for medical aid.

Three among 26 wounded persons were said to be critical in condition, hospital sources said.