KARACHI, Feb 23: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has stressed the need for making police special branch more effective and functional and directed all the agencies responsible for law enforcement to make coordinated efforts for establishment of a lasting and stable peace in the province.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting held at the Governor’s House which reviewed the law and order situation in the province.

The home minister, IG police and home secretary briefed the meeting about the Saturday’s act of terrorism.

The governor directed that instead of looking at the incident from some specific angle, all aspects should be investigated.

He asked the authorities to remain alert all the time to provide protection to the life and property of all the people living in the province and a keep a vigil at all the places.

The governor called for making the security arrangements at Imambargahs, mosques, etc more effective and in this regard he directed the authorities to ensure participation of community as well.

Dr Ishrat also appealed to the Ulema to contribute their bit towards the efforts for peace and unity.

He said that Saturday’s incident was not an act of sectarian element, rather it seemed to be part of a conspiracy hatched to sabotage the atmosphere of peace and harmony.

He pointed out that establishment of peace and promotion of cohesion and harmony was the foremost priority of the government and no hindrance in this regard would be tolerated.

Referring to the coming month of Muharram, the governor said that a model environment of unity, cohesion and brotherhood should be established on the occasion in cooperation with the Ulema of all sects and the people. He expressed the hope that all sections of the society would fully cooperate in this connection.

In view of the prevailing international situation, the governor stressed on maintenance of improved conditions in the province.

The IG police informed the meeting about the arrangements made for transportation of bodies of those killed in Saturday’s incidents to their native places.

He said although there were some problems because of weather conditions, every possible effort had been made with the cooperation of the federal government and Governor’s House.

The meeting was attended by home minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, acting chief secretary Masoodur Rehman Masood, principal secretary Brig Akhtar Zamin (retired), home secretary Aslam Sanjrani, IG police, acting DG Rangers, city police chief and other officials. —APP