KARACHI, Nov 17: In the province 17 offices belonging to the religious parties outlawed last week have been sealed. This was stated by the governor of Sindh at an Iftar dinner thrown by the health department on Monday.

Governor Ishratul Ibad told journalists that extremism in any form would not be tolerated. “In the current international scenario we will take all necessary steps to safeguard the interests of the country,” he said.

Answering a question put by a journalist, he said the cited parties had not been banned due to pressure from the US. The step was taken in line with the decisions made at the highest levels of government and no pressure was involved.

In response to another question, Dr Ibad said no arrests had so far been made. “But we are watching the situation closely. Lists are also being prepared.”

Dr Ibad said the banned parties would not be allowed to operate under other names. Activities in the various madressahs of the province were also being monitored.

Answering a question, the governor said measures would be taken against the people who wrote slogans on the walls. “There are laws against wall chalking and strict steps would be taken under these laws against the people who violate them.”

Asked if the reports which claimed that law and order had deteriorated since his becoming the governor, Dr Ibad said people were the best judge of that.

“Decide for yourself. I think both the number of violent incidents and their intensity have declined. Statistics would bear this out.”