KARACHI, Jan 31: Provincial Police Officer Syed Kamal Shah has asked the police officials on security duty on the occasion of the 'Expo 2005' to make the event 'safest' by ensuring foolproof security arrangements.

Addressing the police force deployed in and around the city in connection with the five day exhibition starting on Feb 2 at the Expo Centre near the Civic Centre, the PPO impressed upon the personnel to remain vigilant while performing their duties on all the routes leading to the Expo Centre, besides those leading to airport and the hotels where the guests had been accommodated.

He asked them to keep a close eye on any suspicious person or material, and directed intelligence officials on duty to remain even more alert. He also directed the CCPO to coordinate with the Bomb Disposal Squad and Quick Reaction Force to meet any eventuality besides personally supervising the central police control room.

Mr Shah asked the traffic police to employ all available resources to fully ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the international event. He reminded the police force that hundreds of visitors from 77 participating countries would be the guests of Karachiites and the Capital City Police.

"Such a huge participation by foreigners establishes that Karachi is a peaceful city," he remarked, and added that the city's good image must be maintained by making the event safest.

Meanwhile, the traffic police have announced traffic arrangement during the exhibition. According to the plan, nine pilot police would be deployed, to escort ambulances carrying patients, at designated points - Karachi airport, Madam Apartment, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Karsaz signal, Nursery Market, Hassan Square, Madadgar 15, Saddar police station, PIDC intersection, Schon Circle and Carlton Hotel.

The operators of ambulances have been advised to seek assistance from the Ambulance Service, Traffic Control, by dialling 9211212 or Traffic Police Help line 915 to seek escort up to the destined hospital in a shortest possible time.

Two alternative routes, besides Sharea Faisal, for people travelling to Karachi airport have also been notified. The first alternative route will be: University Road, Safoora Goth, Malir Cantonment Gate No.2 (entry), Gate No.6 (exit), Jinnah Avenue, Jinnah Terminal. This route will be available to small vehicles from Feb 2-5 from 3pm to 7pm. Army and Rangers personnel will be deputed to guide commuters.

THE SECOND ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WILL BE: Terminal-1 to Jinnah Terminal and will remain open round the clock. Air passengers have been advised to start their journey to the airport well ahead of their flight schedule.