KARACHI, Sept 12: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim reviewed arrangements for the international defence exhibition 'Ideas 2004' at a high-level meeting held at the CM's House here on Sunday.

The chief minister stressed that complete security, as well as a smooth flow of traffic and an uninterrupted supply of power and gas, be ensured during the exhibition.

He observed that holding of such a prestigious international exhibition was a great honour for Pakistan, particularly Sindh, where the country would be having an opportunity to present its creative skills before the world.

A seminar on the defence exhibition was scheduled to be held at Sheraton Hotel at 9am on Monday, eight hours before the formal inauguration of the 'Ideas 2004'. As many as 55 delegations from 36 countries are participating in the exhibition. There would be 1,138 items on display at the exhibition which would be attended by 4,115 guests from different countries.

The meeting was informed that an extensive security plan, covering airport, major hotels and the roads leading to the Expo Centre, as well as those falling between different hotels and the exhibition venue, had been chalked out.

Sindh IG Syed Kamal Shah informed the meeting that police, along with civvies, would remain on alert round-the-clock at and around sensitive and important places throughout the city. Furthermore, hidden cameras would help keep a close eye on miscreants.

A force of more than 6,000 police personnel, supported by army and Rangers contingents, has been deployed under the security plan. The IG further told the meeting that at least 200 police mobiles and 300 motorbikes had been mobilized for patrolling during the exhibition days.

Besides, an emergency plan had been devised to avert or deal with any emergency situation, he said, adding that four control rooms had been set up one each at the airport, Expo Centre, Sheraton Hotel and PC.

In addition, 10 emergency centres had been set up to ensure safety and security. They are located at the airport, Sharea Faisal, Karsaz, Hasan Square, Nursery, FTC, Carlton, PIDC, Korangi Road and Khayaban-i-Ittehad.

Madadgar centres have also been established at Saddar, Clifton, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulberg, Malir and SITE. These centres would entertain emergency cases. Mr Shah said that in view of any emergency situation, 1,400 personnel could be mobilized at any time with 50 vehicles, 100 motorbikes and a reserve force at their disposal.

The chief minister issued necessary directives to ensure free movement for the delegates and visitors. Provincial Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Chief Secretary Aslam Sanjrani, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Syed Anwar Haider, CCPO Tariq Jamil, DIG Operations Fayyaz Leghari, PS to the CM Bakhshal Gadaro and other officials attended the meeting. -PPI