Karachi - A high-level meeting jointly chaired by Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (r) Zahid Qurban Alvi and Caretaker Federal Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan on Monday finalised a contingency plan for pre-election, election day and post-election security arrangements.
The meeting held at the CM secretariat was decided that army will be deployed in sensitive areas and would be available as quick response force.
It was directed that high officials of the province would remain in constant coordination with the officers concerned. It also emphasised that general election monitoring cells established at the Chief Minister Secretariat, Local Government Department and Sindh Home Department shall be kept operational round the clock for urgent response.
The meeting was informed that Sindh government is taking all possible measures to maintain law and order in the province with special focus on Karachi to ensure conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful general elections. IGP Sindh informed the meeting that law-enforcement agencies have taken measures to provide peaceful and conductive atmosphere for holding general elections.
DG Rangers informed the meeting that Rangers were proactively working against the terrorists groups and they successfully apprehended number of terrorists during operation in various areas of the metropolis. He further informed that they have also planned for flag march in the City so that a sense of security and confidence among general public could be developed.
Commissioner informed that all civic agencies, hospitals, ambulances, fire brigades, civil defense etc will be on high alert and they will be working round the clock to provide immediate services during any emergency.
Federal Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan expressed satisfaction overt the arrangements made by the law-enforcement agencies for the Election Day and appreciated the efforts of police and rangers for maintaining law and order in the province. He assured full support and assistance from the federal government to Sindh government for holding of free, fair and peaceful elections.
Special Assistant to CM Sindh, Sharfuddin Memon informed that concerns of all the political parties regarding security have been addressed on priority basis and the candidates contesting elections have been allowed to carry five private security guards for security.
The meeting was also attended by Sindh Chief Secretary, ACS Home, principal heads of the intelligence agencies, Additional IGP Karachi, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional IGP CID and other officers of police, rangers and Sindh government.
Monitoring adds: It was further decided that mobile phone services would be suspended on polling day in Karachi’s highly senstive areas only.