A high-level emergency meeting was convened at the Sindh Assembly on Thursday under the chairmanship of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar to review the security threats facing the province.
Officials said the meeting held deliberations on prevailing internal and external threats, protection of sensitive installations, monitoring of public places and strengthening inter-agency coordination.
The meeting was attended by the additional chief secretary home; Sindh inspector general of police (IGP); additional IGPs of Karachi, Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch; inspector general of prisons; Investigation Bureau joint director general; representatives of the Airport Security Force and Pakistan Airports Authority, and senior officials of the Sindh Rangers and other law enforcement agencies.
The participants presented detailed briefings in the light of the current situation, past incidents and potential threats.
Addressing the participants, the home minister stated that in view of past tragedies and recent security concerns, effective and timely decisions were imperative. He emphasised that Karachi was the economic hub of the country and no compromise could be made on its security.
He directed that in view of the extraordinary rush at the airport, security measures be made foolproof and that strict implementation of the policy limiting access at pick-and-drop points to one or two individuals be ensured. He also instructed that search app devices be made available in all prisons across the province and effectively utilised during snap checking, picketing and combing operations to facilitate swift identification of suspicious elements. Furthermore, deployment of lady searchers at all provincial entry and exit points was made mandatory.
Taking strict notice of the dissemination of extremist, sectarian or militant content on social media and WhatsApp groups, he directed that such material be subjected to forensic analysis and those involved in spreading that be proceeded against in accordance with the law.
The home minister underscored the importance of ensuring implementation of all provisions of the National Action Plan in letter and spirit and strict enforcement of the Tenancy Act. He also stressed the need for strict vigilance at railway stations, bus terminals, truck stands and other freight hubs. He concluded the meeting by stating that effective coordination was in place with other provinces and through mutual cooperation, every possible threat would be countered effectively.
Later, Lanjar held a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Karachi, Yang Yundong, during which bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and security-related matters were discussed in detail.
A comprehensive review was conducted of the security arrangements for Chinese nationals residing in Sindh, including experts, engineers and individuals associated with various development projects, at the meeting. Lanjar stated that the protection of Chinese citizens remained a top priority of the Sindh government and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. The Chinese consul general appreciated the measures taken by the provincial government to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and projects.
