09 October 2004	Saturday	23 Shaban 1425

KARACHI, Oct 8: The law enforcing agencies were put on red alert on Friday in the wake of recent incidents of terrorism in Multan and Sialkot and strict measures were taken by police and Rangers for the security of mosques and Imambargahs.

According to senior police officials, contingents of police and Rangers were patrolling on major roads of the city while personnel of law enforcing agencies had been deployed outside mosques and Imambargahs to keep an eye on the activities of anti-social elements.

They said that police and Rangers were directed not to allow anybody to park his vehicle near worship places, where Jumma congregations were being held and persons were being allowed into the mosques only after body search.

"Some religious parties have appealed people to close their businesses in mourning on Friday. In order to avoid any untoward situation, ample security measures had been taken in Karachi," they added.

Meanwhile, security arrangements at Imambargahs and mosques were reviewed at a high-level meeting, chaired by Sindh IGP Kamal Shah, held at Central Police Office on Friday. The IGP directed the TPOs to constite vigilance committees in cooperation with the management committees of mosques and Imambargahs for checking suspicious persons.

He also ordered CCPO Karachi and RPOs of Hyderabad and Sukkur to ensure strict check on misuse of loudspeakers and distribution of provocating pamphlets and handbills. He said action would also be taken against those delivering provocative speeches. -PPI/APP