HYDERABAD, Aug 23: The Corps Commander of Sindh, Lt-Gen Syed Athar Ali, visited Hyderabad on Tuesday to review security arrangements made by the army and Rangers for the local government polls, says an ISPR press release.

He was accompanied by Director-General of Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Maj-Gen Javaid Zia.

The Corps Commander was received by Hyderabad General Officer Commanding Maj-Gen Mohammad Mustafa Khan.

Lt-Gen Ather went to the division headquarters where he was briefed on the role of army in local government elections.

The Corps Commander asked the commanders to ensure that elections were held in a peaceful manner without coercion.

He reiterated that primary responsibility for the conduct of free and fair elections rested with the election commission and the judiciary. However, the army will be ready to respond and assist civil administration to ensure that the election process is not disrupted or interfered with.

Lt-Gen Syed Athar Ali also visited the headquarters of Qasim Rangers where he was briefed on deployment of Rangers for election duties.

He also appreciated the smooth conduct of phase-I of local government elections and lauded the efforts put in by the army and Rangers.