KARACHI, Aug 2: Sindh Home minister Rauf Siddiqui said on Tuesday that close-circuit cameras, besides still and video cameras, would be used for monitoring the upcoming local elections and to obtain a visual proof of any violation of the code of conduct.

He disclosed this at a news conference and said DPOs, TPOs and SHOs have been directed to arrange for the required equipment.

Replying to a question, he said that there were no sensitive polling stations in the city and reports about them were a mere figment of imagination.

“The polling stations discussed at certain forums with regard to their sensitivity were those where any incident had taken place in the past. Since peace prevails everywhere it does not necessitate to declare any area sensitive,” he said responding to a question.

Mr Siddiqui said that police and rangers are capable of maintaining law and order during local elections, but the army would remain on alert and might be called in if situation so warranted.

“We will use every available means to maintain law and order,” said Mr Siddiqui.

With regard to arrangements for ensuring free, fair and transparent elections, the minister urged the candidates to desist from provocative speeches during their election campaign and fulfil their responsibility for peaceful LB elections by following the code of conduct given by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

He reminded that wall chalking and carrying arms, whether licensed was banned during the election campaigns. He also directed the SHOs to prevent use of firecrackers in weddings because under their cover miscreants could exploit the situation.

To a question about deployment of private guards at polling stations, the minister said that the government would obey the directives of Election Commission against their deployment.