Authorities in Pakistan's southern Sindh province today banned instant messaging and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications like Skype, Whatsapp, and Viber for three months to facilitate security operations.

The decision to enforce the ban was made at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah to review the law and order situation.

Following the meeting, provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon announced that a ban would be imposed on the use of Skype, Whatspp, Tango and Viber.

"Terrorists and criminal elements are using these networks to communicate after the targeted operation was launched (against them)," Memon said.

Sindh's Home Secretary will contact Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to have these networks banned in the province. According to Memon, the Sindh government would contact the federal government to ensure that illegal SIMs too are shut down.

Memon said the brandishing of weapons too had been banned and an operation will be conducted against individuals possessing illegal weapons.