Sindh CM wants banned outfits to be closely monitored amid changing Afghan situation

• Strict security measures decided across Sindh due to situation in Afghanistan.
• Sindh CM directs institutions to keep a close watch on all banned outfits.
• Hate content on social media and other suspicious activities should be monitored, says CM.

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered all institutions to keep a close check on banned outfits owing to the prevailing situation in Afghanistan.

The Sindh chief minister said this while chairing a meeting of the provincial apex committee on Thursday. He said the situation in Afghanistan is changing dramatically and in this context, strict security arrangements should be put in place in the province.

He asked law enforcers to closely monitor criminal, sectarian and banned organisations.

They were also ordered to monitor hate content on social media and other suspicious activities.

Some elements will try to increase sectarian hatred, which will not to be tolerated, said CM Shah.

He said he would have a meeting with religious scholars. "We have to establish love, brotherhood and unity in our ranks," the CM said, instructing law enforcement agencies to further strengthen mutual cooperation.

Religious scholars' help sought ahead of Muharram

Later, the province's top brass held a meeting with religious scholars belonging to different sects to seek their help ahead of Muharram-ul-Haram and Rabi-ul-Awwal to curb coronavirus spread as the holy months are marked by large processions.

CM Shah, Sindh Minister for Information and Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Chief Secretary Mumtaz Shah, and other officials were present during the meeting.

CM Shah said the provincial government would provide security and other required facilities for the religious events that take place during the holy month.

"The new wave of the coronavirus is dangerous this year, just like it was last year. Karachi is severely affected by COVID-19, and we are about to take some strict steps," he told the meeting.

The chief minister said the provincial government has also been forced to take some strict measures due to developments in Afghanistan, amid fears of an influx of refugees.

"The decisions which we take should be implemented in letter and spirit; [processions] should take place only on designated routes," the chief minister said.

Minister for Information Nasir Shah said Sindh had called a meeting with religious scholars earlier as well, where they were briefed about the security arrangements.

He said the provincial government is making arrangements for the security of the ulema, adding that an Aman Committee had been formed under which all the concerns put forth by the scholars will be addressed.

Following the chief minister's briefing, the religious scholars agreed to follow the government's orders.

"The government's code of conduct will be followed during Muharram-ul-Haram and coronavirus SOPs will also be implemented," the religious scholars assured the gathering.