KARACHI, Feb 15: A high-level meeting at the Sindh Governor’s House reviewed thoroughly the events which took place during the last two days in Lahore and Peshawar and directed the law-enforcement agencies to establish a perfect coordination among them for maintaining peace and harmony in Karachi and rest of the province.

Presiding over a meeting of security chiefs here on Wednesday night, Governor Ishratul Ibad expressed complete solidarity with the sentiments of people in the country but was firmly of the view that violence would be counter productive and tarnish the image of the country across the world.

The meeting directed the police, Rangers and security agencies to coordinate with each other to maintain peace. It said that citizens would be provided security and fast-food outlets, diplomatic missions, and petrol stations would be taken care of.

The meeting was attended among others by Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, DG Rangers Maj-General Jawed Zia, IG Sindh Police Jahangir Mirza, CCPO Niaz Siddiki, and DIG Operations Mushtaq Shah.

Another meeting, organized by the Sindh home department and attended by over 150 Ulema, considered the adoption of a joint line of action by the provincial government and the Ulema to keep rallies and meetings completely peaceful and to maintain strict vigil on mischievous elements so that no one could create lawlessness or mischief by taking advantage of the situation.

Addressing the Ulema, the governor urged them to extend full cooperation to the government to keep law and order under control.

He said that while registering their peaceful protest, they would be provided full security. He said he himself had the same feelings and supports peaceful a protest.

However, the governor said the government, the Ulema and the people would keep a watch on mischief-mongers so that no harm is caused to the life and property of innocent people.

He said that the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) has said that causing harm to anyone’s life and property is against the norms of Islam which does not allow indulgence in any such acts.

Meanwhile, the police on Wednesday decided to step up security across the city keeping in view processions and demonstrations scheduled for Thursday in protest against publication of blasphemous cartoons.

Various religio-political parties will take out a procession from Quaid’s mausoleum, which will terminate at Tibet Centre while passing through Abdullah Haroon Road, Regal Chowk, Gul Plaza, and M A Jinnah Road.

Police have taken all security measures and planned to deploy additional force along the procession route. M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed until evening for all sort of traffic while shops and markets in the route will remain closed.

DIG Karachi (Operations) Mushtaq Shah told Dawn that the police would provide a security cover to procession to be taken out from Quaid’s mausoleum. Besides, he said small processions and demonstration to be staged at various places in the city would also be provided security, he added.

He said that the traffic police had been directed to divert the traffic coming to M A Jinnah Road to other alternative routes.

Ahl-i-Sunnat parties have finalized all arrangements for Tahaffuz Namoos-i-Risalat rally being held on Thursday to register protest against publication of derogatory cartoons of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), PPI adds.

The parties urged the administration to make foolproof arrangements for ensuring peace and security of the participants and keep a vigilant eye on unscrupulous elements.

PIMA: The Pakistan Islamic Association Karachi is holding a rally against the blasphemous cartoons here at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre on Thursday at 12:00 a.m.

Doctors and paramedics from Civil Hospital Karachi, Abbassi Shaheed Hospital, NICH, NICVD and private institutions would also attend the rally. PIMA General Secretary Dr Syed Ahmer Hamid has also requested the general public to take part in a big way in the rally, as a testimony of their love to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

STRIKE CALL: The Pasban Pakistan on Wednesday appealed to the citizens to observe a complete strike on Friday in Karachi to show resentment against the European newspapers for publishing blasphemous cartoons of Holy Prophet (PBUH).