KARACHI, April 23: Interior Minister Malik Habib on Tuesday reviewed measures taken for the security of elections candidates as well as the public in Sindh and expressed satisfaction over coordination among the law-enforcing agencies in this regard.

The interior minister, who arrived here on Monday from Islamabad, presided over a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House and discussed a security plan during and after the general elections.

Speaking on the occasion, he reiterated the caretaker government’s determination to take all steps to hold free, fair and transparent elections.

He said that the government would not compromise on law and order situation and would take all steps to hold free and fair elections in a secure environment.

Mr Habib also said that fears among the election candidates had been allayed and proper security had been given to them.

He was quite satisfied with the preparedness of police, Rangers and the coast guards for their role in the elections.

He appreciated the Sindh government for 90 per cent completion of management-related issues. All standard operating procedures regarding the security were performing better, he added.

The minister reviewed the threat perception to the candidates and general public and was satisfied with counter-measures briefed by the Sindh police chief and the chief secretary.

Meanwhile, the interior minister told reporters after a visit to the headquarters of the Pakistan Coast Guards that all measures would be taken on the polling day so that people could exercise their right of vote independently on May 11, adds APP.

He said that law and order situation in Karachi was a matter of concern since long and more steps were being taken to improve security.

Earlier, he was briefed about measures taken by the PCG to check illegal activities through sea routes specially during the forthcoming general elections.

MQM delegation calls on interior minister

A delegation of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement met the interior minister at the CM house on Tuesday.

The MQM delegation comprising Dr Farooq Sattar, Raza Haroon, Dr Sagheer Ahmed and Adil Siddiqui apprised the minister about difficulties being faced by their election candidates, including their security issues. The minister assured them that all possible steps would be taken to resolve difficulties in connection with the election campaign.

He also assured that security would be provided to the election candidates of the MQM.