KARACHI. Apr 3: Additional police have been deployed in southern Karachi as a precautionary’ measure ahead of Thursday’s verdict and sentencing in the hijacking trial of deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, reports AP.

Sharif and his six coaccused could face the death penalty if convicted on charges of hijacking. terrorism, attempted murder and kidnapping.

Today Sindh police chief Aftab Nabi said additional policemen and paramilitary Rangers have been deployed throughout the port city, the country's largest with 14 million people.

"Reserve police have been called in, while men have been taken off nonessential duty to make sure we have the maximum number of policemen on duty," he said. "These measures are always taken during high alert situation."

As well additional protection has been given to the antiterrorist court judge Rehme-tullah Hussain Jaffri. he said.

Last month one of Sharifs lawyers was gunned down in his office in a brazen daylight attack. No one took responsibility lor the shooting, but other defense lawyers demanded additional protection following the killing. No one has been arrested In the killing and it's , still not clear whether it was Linked to Sharifs trial.

Police say they will also pre-

vent demonstrations by supporters of Sharif, whose government was toppled by the military in a bloodless coup last year. The army-led government has banned public gatherings, but Sharifs party, the Pakistan Muslim League has threatened to defy the ban and hold protests.

"The government should know that we are not afraid of anyone. We will fight for democracy." the English-language dally newspaper the News quoted Sharifs wife. Khulsoorn as saying.