Pakistan Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was today given a detailed briefing by paramilitary rangers and intelligence agencies on security arrangements here ahead of the month of Muharram.
The army chief was briefed on the operations being carried out in the city to improve the law and order situation, according to a spokesman for the Pakistan Rangers.
Eight people, including five Shiite Muslims, were killed here today.
The violence came ahead of the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Moharram, when Shias mourn the seventh century martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, along with his family members.
Shias make up around a fifth of Pakistan's predominantly Sunni Muslim population.
The spokesman said that joint operations by the rangers and police were already being conducted in the city against criminal and extremist groups to curb sectarian and political killings.
Security agencies are expecting a backlash from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and its umbrella extremist outfits most of them with predominately anti-Shia doctorine during Muharram which is why steps are being taken to prevent any terror or sectarian violence all over the country particularly in Karachi, official sources said.
"The death of TTP chief, Hakimullah Mehsud and other commanders in a US drone strike last week has led to a heightened sense of urgency in the Pakistani security forces to prepare for any retaliatory attacks," a source said.
Muharram processions have been targeted in the past in Karachi.
