Ban orders imposed in Sindh

Karachi: The Sindh provincial government has decided to impose Section 144 in the province from October 6-9, banning all kinds of political rallies and gatherings in a bid to preempt any untoward incident during the presidential election today.

The decision came during a meeting headed by provincial adviser on home affairs, Wasseem Akhtar, and attended by senior police and government officials.

Akhtar indicated security arrangements outside the Sindh Assembly, where voting to elect the new president will take place, would be especially stringent.

All four provincial assemblies of the country are part of the electoral college for the presidential elections, along with the National Assembly and the Senate.

Strike call

Meanwhile, a meeting of the opposition All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) alliance held in Karachi yesterday decided to observe a total shutdown today to protest against Musharraf's reelection bid.

Jamaat-e-Islaami leader Mairaj-ul-Huda Siddqiui said after the meeting that the opposition alliance had called for a general strike.

"We appeal to the people to stay home and observe a complete strike to protest against the reelection bid of President General Pervez Musharraf," he said.