[Dawn] In the backdrop of recent acts of terrorism in various parts of the country, the Sindh Home Department has enforced Section 144 Cr.P.C. with immediate effect and banned motorcycle pillion riding in Karachi and Hyderabad for the next 30 days.An official announcement said, however, handicap people, elderly persons, children below 12 years of age, women, journalists and members of law enforcing agencies will remain exempted from the restriction imposed.
In this regard Home Minister Dr Zulfikar Ali Mirza has issued directives to provincial police officer to ensure the enforcement and implementation of section 144 as per the orders issued.
He said the security personnel should be warned for not exceeding their powers and harassing the peaceful citizens.
He called for a separate plan for fool proof security of installations of Pakistan Army and Navy, sensitive places like oil terminals, gas fields, Karachi Port Trust, oil refineries, Coast Guard offices etc.
He said that steps for an organised and coordinated security be ensured in consultation with the aforesaid places and installations under the special security plan devised for the purpose.
Home Minister directed that steps be taken for deployment of commandos of Elite Force for security of army installations in particular besides police patrolling and picketing in the surrounding areas as well as activating the personnel of secret agencies.
Taking notice of a press report about stoppage of fuel to police department, the home minister called for a detail report thereof.
He pointed out that there is high security alert in Karachi in view of acts of terrorism in the country and therefore such steps be taken whereby police patrolling and snap checking are not affected, particularly in red zones.