Punjab Government decides to form a special force to protect foriegners

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is fighting for its survival and there is a need for collective efforts to root out terrorism. He said that maintenance of law and order is of vital importance for foreign investment and in view of this fact, Punjab government has decided to form a special force for the specific purpose of ensuring safety of the foreigners working on various projects. Issuing instructions for foolproof security arrangements on the occasion of Independence Day, the Chief Minister directed that the process of recruitment of four thousand police constables be started immediately and a transparent method be adopted for this purpose.

He was presiding over a high level meeting here today to review law and order situation, safety of the foreigners working on various projects and security arrangements for Independence Day. Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Minister for Environment Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Inspector General Police and officers concerned were present. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical phase of its history and facing the scourge of terrorism. He said that the country is in the grip of lawlessness and in order to curb terrorism and ensure peace and tranquility, the nation will have to gather on a single platform. He said that encouragement of foreign investment is essential for progress and development of the country. He said that China, Turkey and other countries are extending cooperation for development of energy, infrastructure and other sectors in Punjab and it is the responsibility of provincial government to provide security cover to foreigners working on various projects. He warned that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.

The Chief Minister directed to form a special force for the security of foreigners and said that a short and long term strategy be evolved in this regard and presented to him within next two to three days. The Chief Minister also directed to start the process of recruitment of four thousand constables in Police Department and said that the details of such constables be collected which are posted unnecessarily so that their services could be utilized for maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property of the citizens. He said that this process was also started in the past and it should again be resumed and the list of such constables be immediately compiled.

The Chief Minister ordered foolproof security arrangements on the occasion of Independence Day and said that stern action be taken against the elements involved in hooliganism and one-wheeling. He said that an effective strategy should also be adopted for maintaining smooth flow of traffic. He said special arrangement be made for the security of the functions to be held in connection with Independence Day.

He said that video cameras be used for monitoring of important places and rallies. He said that officers concerned will be held accountable in case of complaints of traffic jams. He directed that senior officers should remain present in the field for monitoring security arrangements on Independence Day while implementation of the plan evolved for this purpose should be ensured at any cost.