KARACHI, Jan 19: The federal government has directed the Sindh government to take extra security measures to ensure peace and tranquility during Muharram, particularly in cities that have potential flashpoints of whichanti-state elements can take advantage.

The monitoring agencies in reports put before a high-level meeting in Islamabad, presided over by President Gen Pervez Musharraf, have termed this Muharram as very sensitive.

They are of the opinion in view of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan where the US backed governments have failed to control the aftermath created by the US invasion.

In its last communiqué, the federal government had asked the Sindh government to prepare a strategy to maintain strict law and order during the month.

Some quarters believe there are inimical forces that may target Pakistan to destabilise the government since Pakistan is a close partner of the US in its war on terror.