Peace is essential for promotion of economic activities:Najam Sethi

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Najam Sethi has said that maintenance of peace is essential for promotion of economic, social and commercial activities. He said, without maintenance of peace, neither investment is promoted, nor new opportunities of livelihood are created.

Chief Minister said holding of fair, free and impartial elections, in a peaceful atmosphere, is the top priority of the caretaker government and it has taken all possible steps to ensure law and order in Punjab. He said no stone would be left unturned for improvement of law and order situation in the province. He said every possible step within human limits, is being taken for maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere and safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens. Najam Sethi said that caretaker government has evolved a concrete strategy to ensure peaceful conduct of general elections.

Chief Minister was presiding over a high-level meeting which reviewed security arrangements and discussed general law and order situation in the province. The meeting was attended by Provincial Home Minister Tariq Pervaiz, Secretary Home, Inspector General Police Punjab, Additional IGs and other concerned authorities.

Addressing the meeting, Najam Sethi said that a solid course of action has been chalked out, with mutual consultation, to further improve law and order situation to ensure peaceful conduct of general elections. He said special steps would also be taken to ensure security of political personalities during election rallies and processions. He said a peaceful and conducive atmosphere would be ensured, during polling, to enable voters to exercise their right of franchise, without any fear and in an independent manner. He said that sensitive polling stations have been identified, which would be monitored through video cameras. He said that training of police officials, to be deputed at the polling stations, is continuing. Najam Sethi said protection of life, property and honor of every citizen is prime responsibility of the government, and police are being provided all possible resources to ensure peaceful atmosphere and provide safety to the citizens.

Chief Minister directed police authorities to benefit from modern technology in maintenance of law and order and eradication of crime from the society. Najam Sethi further directed the police to keep a vigilant eye on suspicious and anti-social elements. He said promotion of religious tolerance, forbearance and brotherhood in the society is the need of the hour, for which Ulema and Mushaikh can play a vital role, through their speeches and sermons. Chief Minister said the caretaker government is ready to combat security challenges and every step is being taken for maintenance of law and order in the province.

Chief Minister directed the police to effectively implement the strategy evolved for maintenance of law and order. During the meeting, the Chief Minister was given a detailed briefing on security plan, prevalent law and order situation and steps taken to eradicate crime for ensuring peaceful conduct of general elections.