KARACHI: Authorities on Monday decided that mobile phone services would be suspended on polling day in Karachi's senstive areas, sources told Dawn.com.

Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (Retd) Zahid Kurban Alavi and Caretaker Federal Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan while jointly presiding over a high level meeting on law and order at the CM House on Monday said that Sindh Government is taking all possible measures to maintain law and order in the province with special focus on Karachi to ensure a conducive environment for free, fair and peaceful general elections. The provincial government also directed high officials of the province to maintain a constant coordination with the concerned officials.

The meeting also emphasised that general election monitoring cells established at Chief Minister Secretariat, local Government Department and Provincial Home Department shall be kept operational round the clock for urgent response.

The meeting discussed various aspects of law and order and finalised a contingency plan for pre-election, election day and post-election security arrangements.

The heads of law enforcement agencies including Inspector General Ppolice (IGP) Sindh informed that all security measures have been taken to provide peaceful and conductive atmosphere for holding general elections on May 11.

The Director General Rangers informed the meeting that the rangers were proactively working against the terrorists' groups and they successfully apprehended a number of terrorists during operation in various areas of the metropolis.

He further informed that they have also planned for a flag march in the city so that a sense of security and confidence among general public could be developed.

The meeting was further informed that the army will be deployed in sensitive areas and will be available as quick response force.

The Commissioner Karachi informed the meeting that all civic agencies, hospitals, ambulances, fire tenders, civil defense etc will be on high alert and they will be working round the clock to provide immediate services during any emergency.

Federal Interior Minister Malik Habib Khan expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements made by the law enforcement agencies for the Election Day and appreciated the efforts of police and rangers for maintaining law and order in Sindh province.

He assured full support and assistance from the Federal Government to the Government of Sindh for free, fair and peaceful elections.

Special Assistant to CM Sindh for Home Sharfuddin Memon informed the meeting that concerns of all political parties regarding security have been addressed on priority basis and the candidates contesting elections have been allowed to carry five private security guards for security.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Sindh, ACS Home, heads of intelligence agencies, Additional IGP Karachi, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional IGP CID and others officers of police, rangers and Sindh Government.