PESHAWAR, Jan 15: The chief secretary of the North West Frontier Province has reviewed security arrangements made for the peaceful observance of Muharram in the province.

On Monday he presided over a meeting aimed at reviewing the law and order situation. The meeting was attended by the provincial police officer, home secretary, additional chief secretary (Fata), representatives of the IGFC, deputy commandant of the Frontier Constabulary and the Deputy Inspector- General of Police (Special Branch).

Some preliminary meetings had been held in the home department in the Fata secretariat to finalise the manpower requirements of the law-enforcement agencies as well as the number of sensitive districts and areas to be covered.

These requirements have been conveyed to the relevant authorities and the federal government.

The chief secretary called for maximum vigilance and an adequate presence of law-enforcement personnel, including the army, to deter any sectarian violence.

The situation in Hangu, Dera Ismail Khan and the Kurram Agency and other potentially sensitive areas was carefully reviewed.

The meeting decided that army units would be made available at these places in sufficient numbers.—PPI