Nothing is important than maintenance of law and order: CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that nothing can be more important than maintenance of law and order and all required resources will be provided for this purpose. He directed that security arrangements better than the previous years should be made during Muharram-ul-Haram and no effort should be spared for the protection of life and property of the people.

The Chief Minister while directing to constitute a cabinet committee headed by Provincial Law Minister for reviewing security arrangements and ensuring implementation on security plan during Muharram-ul-Haram, said that cabinet committee will visit the entire province and review the security plan evolved for this purpose. Shahbaz Sharif said that his helicopter will also be available for the visits of cabinet committee.

He was presiding over a high level meeting with regard to security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram, here today. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Chief Secretary, Secretaries of Home, Law, Information Departments, Inspector General Police, Commissioner, District Coordination Officer Lahore, CCPO Lahore and concerned officers attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the country is passing through the most critical juncture and the enemy is hatching conspiracies to harm the country’s sovereignty. He said that the entire nation will have to be united for foiling the nefarious designs of anti-state elements. The Chief Minister said that Muharram-ul-Haram is approaching and directed that all concerned institutions should be ready for making security arrangements and leave no stone unturned in this regard. He said that the arrangements for purchase of equipments to be needed for ensuring security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram should be made from now onwards. Shahbaz Sharif said that the punctuality of timings schedule and routes of the processions should be ensured at every cost which is utmost essential for the maintenance of law and order and protection of Azadaars. He said that a 4-tier security cordon should be made, CCTV cameras be installed on the routes, walk-through gates, jammers, generators, lights and other necessary items should be arranged from now.

The Chief Minister directed that implementation on the ban on display of weapons should be ensured and strict action be taken against the violators. He said that indiscriminate action should be taken against those making provocative speeches, distributing and publishing hatred material. Shahbaz Sharif directed the Chief Secretary that funds should be released immediately for providing meal to police officers who will perform duty during Muharram-ul-Haram. He also directed that a media plan should be evolved for creating awareness among the people.

Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Inspector General Police gave detailed briefings regarding security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram. Inspector General Police informed that arrangements better than before are being made for maintenance of law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram.