KARACHI, May 11: Strict measures have been taken to ensure safety and security of the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry during his visit to the city on Saturday.

Adviser to the Chief Minister on Home Wasim Akhtar told Dawn that the administration had taken all possible steps in this regard though it had received no formal request from the organisers of the CJ’s visit.

“We have not been informed of the route of the CJ’s caravan, still we have taken stringent security measures along its possible route,” he said.

The adviser said the organisers must have informed the administration about the route of the welcome procession. “Nonetheless, we are bound to provide security to the chief justice,” he said.

Mr Akhtar said that as many as 8,000 police personnel and an equal number of rangers personnel would be deployed in parts of the city in view of the CJ’s visit and the MQM rally.

“This is not a normal situation as people would also come out to attend the MQM rally,” he said, pointing out that the authorities concerned did not rule out untoward incidents taking place on the occasion.

The adviser said terrorists and subversive elements might exploit the situation and that was why heavy deployment of the law-enforcement personnel was made across the city.

“We are doing our best,” he said while mentioning that plain-clothed personnel would also be deployed in sensitive parts of the city to keep a watch on subversive element.

The adviser ruled out possibility of sending the chief justice back to Islamabad from Karachi airport in case there was a law and order situation. “There is no such option under consideration,” he categorically stated.

He also ruled out the option of bringing the chief justice from the airport to the Sindh High Court by helicopter. He, however, said: “Helicopter could be arranged if the chief justice desires so.”