KARACHI, Nov 23: Security arrangements for the observance of Yaum-i-Ali, falling on Nov 27 (Ramazan 21), were discussed at a high level meeting chaired by the City Nazim, Naimatullah Khan, here on Saturday.

The meeting was attended by the DCO Karachi, Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, Capital City Police Chief, Asad Ashraf Malik, DIG Operations, DIG Traffic, EDOs, heads of various departments, Nazim of Jamshed Town, Ahmed Kassem Parekh and officials of Saddar Town besides representatives of KESC, Edhi Ambulance Service and Civil Hospital.

The police officials told the Nazim that security along the route of Shahadat-i-Ali procession would be beefed up and certain intersections leading to M. A. Jinnah Road would be sealed off.

They informed him that additional force would be deployed to ensure law and order and that a bomb disposal squad would remain alert throughout the day.

Naimatullah Khan directed the police and all the other concerned departments to finalize security and other arrangements right now for the Yaum-i-Ali.

He also issued directives for the improvement of sanitary conditions at Nishtar Park and the areas along the procession route. Besides, he said, water should be arranged for ablution as well for the consumption of doctors, Azadars (mourners) and ambulances on the day.

The KESC was directed to make available additional generators. All the concerned departments were asked to keep their staff ready for emergency duties.

Officials told the City Nazim that the cleanliness work was started in the area whereas work for the clearance of sewerage lines had been started one week back. They said that emergency has already been declared in the city government hospitals and the city government ambulances carrying doctors and paramedical staff would accompany the Yaum-i-Ali procession.

The meeting decided that the DCO would inspect Nishtar Park and procession route one day before Yaum-i-Ali and review the arrangements.

Naimatullah Khan directed the officials to make suitable arrangements also for other processions to be taken out from various areas of the city ensuring similar facilities to the participants.—APP