ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Thursday said there was no need of an army operation in Karachi and Rangers were performing their duties well in the city, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives on the sidelines of the D8-Summit, the army chief expressed his satisfaction over the current security arrangements deployed in the metropolis.

Lauding role of police and rangers for restoration of peace in the Sindh capital, Kayani said both the law enforcement agencies were performing their duties to the best of their abilities. “Contingents of police and rangers are deployed at all sensitive points in Karachi,” he added.

Commenting on army’s role during Muharram, he said the armed forces were ready to render any help for maintaining peace in the country during the Muslim holy month. “Army is ready to lay its hands in maintaining peace and controlling terrorism during Muharram,” said Kayani.

He, however, said it was civilian government’s prerogative to call armed forces for any help to maintain law and order in the country. “We can’t take control of the situation on our own,” he added.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the government is considering to temporarily suspending cellular services in order to thwart possible terrorist attacks as the holy day of Ashura draws closer.