KARACHI, Sept 13: Sindh chief secretary K. B. Rind has urged the DCOs and law-enforcing agencies to adopt all preventive and precautionary measures to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the province for which all resources be utilized.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting to review the law and order situation in the province.

The meeting discussed in detail the situation prevailing in the province, particularly in perspective of forthcoming general elections being held on Oct 10.

The meeting was also attended by IGP Sindh Syed Kamal Shah, Home Secretary Brig. Mukhtar Ahmed, DG Rangers Maj-Gen Salahuddin, Brig Jawed of 5-Corp, AIGP of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur regions and DCOs of various districts of Sindh.

The chief secretary stressed the need for a strict vigilance on all aspects and said prompt action be taken against those involved in disturbing the peace.

The CS directed the officials to fully implement the code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission, and said no violation by any group would be allowed.

He stressed the need for stopping wall chalking, hoisting party flags on government buildings and that extortion of bhatta etc., and rules and regulation relating to the Election Commission to be followed strictly.

The chief secretary underlined the need for having contact and coordination with members of peace committees and notables and said strict vigilance be kept on tribal groups so that no untoward situation is happened.

With regard to the interference by some district Nazims, Taluka Nazims, and Union Council Nazims during elections, the chief secretary said the policy is quite clear and no Nazim can indulge in affairs of general elections.

He said in case of any complaint pertaining interference, the matter would be investigated and a report would be sent to the secretary of local government for further necessary action.

Mr Rind informed the meeting that the Sindh Local Government Commission has been set up to hear and dispose of such complaints. He further stated that the Nazims involved in interference would not only be suspended but could be removed from their posts.

The chief secretary said a provincial control room is being established at the Sindh Secretariat while district control rooms would be established at all district headquarters.

He said that the election process will get momentum from tomorrow and the administration has to adopt prompt strategy.

He said that a plan was being prepared in consultation with the home secretary, IGP Sindh and other agencies to maintain peaceful atmosphere on polling stations.

IGP Syed Kamal Shah informed the meeting that the Election Commission has set up more than 14,000 polling station in Sindh, while the officers at regional police offices and district level have been directed to maintain law and order during elections and all measures be adopted to hold free, fair election in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said that the Pakistan Army would not be used during election while the services of Rangers, Janbaz Force, Mujahid Force and national volunteers will be required.

Reviewing the arrangements for Ideas-2002 Exhibition being organized in Karachi, the CS directed to make arrangements for alternate routes so that the vehicular traffic continues smoothly.

The Ideas-2002 Exhibition is of prime importance as it would leave far-reaching and pleasant impact on Sindh and Pakistan, he added.—APP