KARACHI, Oct 5: Sindh law minister Rauf Siddiqui said on Wednesday that if need was felt, army’s help may be sought for traffic control. “Army’s help can be sought any time for providing relief to people,” he told newsmen at a press conference. IGP Asad Jehangir Khan and CCPO Karachi Tariq Jamil were also present.

Lt-General Syed Ather Ali had stated on Tuesday that though streamlining of the traffic system was basically the responsibility of the traffic police which has a sufficient force, the army might extend help if asked by the Sindh government.

Rauf Siddiqui further stated that instructions have already been issued to all police stations, SHOs and senior officers not to allow traffic jams to occur in their jurisdictions.

He said although traffic control would be the responsibility of SP Traffic and their section officers, they would be extended assistance by TPOs and police stations.

He made it clear that violation of traffic signals would be strictly checked.

He informed that the city government had promised to open six major roads presently under construction for maintaining traffic flow.

Besides, he said, one section of the Northern Bypass would also be opened for heavy traffic.

He hoped that people would follow the instructions of traffic officials at roundabouts and intersections. He said that fitness certificates of vehicles which go out of order mid- street will be cancelled.

He said that security agencies have been put on high alert throughout the province to maintain a strict vigil during the holy month of Ramazan and particularly at mosques and places where Traveeh will be offered.

He said that security plan had been finalized in connection with the third phase of local bodies elections on Thursday. This time security would not be a big problem as elections would not involve mass voting, he pointed out.

He informed that each polling station will be manned by a DSP with 40 officers and jawans under him and they would follow instructions of the presiding officer.

Rauf Siddiqi said that security personnel would also have a supporting force, besides beefed up patrolling by the law-enforcers.

The home minister pointed out that there would be a strict ban on carrying or demonstration of weapons and even licensed weapons would not be allowed.

Referring to price spiral during Ramazan, the minister said that magisterial powers have been delegated to city government officials to check over-charging and to keep prices under control.

He said that the police would extend all possible assistance to the city government to nab hoarders.

Amid high security alert in the province, the home minister appealed to people to keep a watch on suspicious articles and movements and inform Madadgar “15” in case they spot any such thing.—Agencies