Police to save lives of the people:CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that maintenance of law and order is essential for promotion of investment as well as economic and commercial activities. He said it is the fundamental responsibility of police to maintain law and order, and protect life, property and honour of citizens, for which police ought to work with full commitment and dedication. He directed police and all security institutions to work in a well-coordinated manner as well as improve police patrolling system besides keeping a watchful eye on suspicious elements. The Chief Minister also issued instructions for foolproof security of all institutions and sensitive places besides reviewing security plan for the protection of foreigners. He announced that Provincial Law Minister will hold law and order meetings twice a week whereas he himself would preside over a meeting in this regard on weekly basis.

The Chief Minister was chairing a high-level meeting, to review law and order situation in the province, here today. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Advisor Jehanzeb Burki, Members Assembly Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Col. (R) Shuja Khanzada, IG Police, Secretaries of Home, Prosecution and Law Departments, Commissioner and DCO Lahore, Additional IG Special Branch, CCPO Lahore and other concerned officers were present. The meeting reviewed various aspects of Rasool Park tragedy. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said maintenance of civic peace and protection of life and property of citizens is the top priority of Punjab government and all possible steps are being taken for this purpose. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif that Pakistan is passing through a crucial phase, and terrorism and lawlessness has shaken the very foundations of the country. He said that the whole nation is united and determined against terrorism, and this scourge will eventually be eliminated from the country. He directed that effective steps should be taken for the protection of all institutions, sensitive places, foreigners and those who come from other provinces. He said that the best security companies should be contacted for foolproof security arrangements at different institutions and commercial centers besides deputing trained guards at these places should also be considered. He pointed out that installation of CCTV cameras at important places, institutions, roads and crossings is highly essential and effective steps should be taken in this regard. The Chief Minister stressed the need for making full use of Elite Force for the purpose for which it was set up. He also directed that effective arrangements should be made regarding security of mosques and Imam Bargahs, during the holy month of Ramazan, especially at the time of prayers and “Trawees”. He said Punjab can be transformed into a haven of peace through collective efforts so that investment and commercial activities could be promoted in the province. He said all district police officers ought to play an effective role in the maintenance of law and order and eradication of crimes in their respective districts. He said Anti-Terrorism Department is being equipped with modern weaponry and training to combat the scourge of terrorism in the province. The Chief Minister pointed out that emoluments and facilities of police had substantially been increased, despite economic crunch, therefore, now it is the responsibility of police force to produce results. He warned that no laxity or dereliction of duty in this regard would be tolerated.