Muharram security: Sindh govt requests army's assistance

ISPR denies receiving any such request.

KARACHI: Keeping in mind the deteriorating law and order situation and looming threats during Ashura, the Sindh government on Tuesday requested the armed forces to be on high alert for Ashura, and be ready to step in if called.

Sources at the Home Department said that the Sindh Chief Secretary had written a letter to the Karachi Corps Commander, asking to deploy armed forces in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas and Larkana divisions.

The army would not patrol roads but remain on alert in the district headquarters on both the days.

Army denies receiving letter

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has, however, denied receiving any such letter from the Sindh government.

Earlier, Sindh Minister for Prisons Manzoor Wasan had approved the federal government’s decision to deweaponise the country and supported the idea of conducting operations in Karachi.

“There is nothing wrong in conducting operations and deweaponisation of Karachi,” he had said, adding that not only the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), but the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) are also in support of such an action.

Wasan, who had also served as Sindh Home Minister, however, ruled out the concerns expressed by MQM Chief Altaf Hussain regarding Karachi operation and said that the action would be taken against criminals, extortionists, land mafia and suspects involved in terrorist activities.

“Karachi has become a nursery for the criminals and it is high time to start an operation without any delay,” he said.

Army, Rangers deployment approved for Punjab

As many as 104 companies of Army and Rangers will be deployed in 27 districts of the Punjab including the provincial capital to ensure secretary during Muharram, The Express Tribune has learnt.

Contingents of the armed forces will not be deployed in seven districts including Okara, Sahiwal, Narowal, Gujrat, Khushab, Hafizabad, Pakpatan, Bahawalnagar and Mandi Bahuddin, sources familiar with the matter while talking to The Express Tribune said.

In this regard the minister of Defence as well as the ministry of Interior has informed the Punjab Government that approval of these companies including 69 companies of Army and 36 companies of Rangers will be deployed.