Security tightened in Karachi

Troops moved out of the cantonment in this port city yesterday to quell any possible disturbances following the air strikes by U.S. and allied forces on Afghanistan on Sunday night as religious parties took out peaceful processions.

Two huge processions were taken out in Karachi by the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam to protest against the U.S. and British strikes on Afghanistan.

The processionists remained peaceful despite the fact that they were in the crowded Saddar area. The JUI has announced another procession in the Pathan area of Benaras Chowk today.

Officials said that the decision to put the army on alert was taken at a meeting of the military high command, which President General Pervez Musharraf had chaired in Islamabad.

In Karachi, which was under a virtual siege of the security forces since early morning, troops moved out of the Malir cantonment and were stationed near the National Stadium, officials said.

Police and para-military forces have closed main roads, especially those leading to U.S. diplomatic missions or business interests as a precautionary measure.

A high alert was simultaneously sounded in the harbour areas of Keamari and Port Qasim, and movements of all unconcerned people around the Quaid-e-Azam airport was banned.

Police had parked huge trucks and water tankers on approaches to the offices and residence of the American and British consul generals and nearby multinational companies.