Zero tolerance policy should strictly implemented: CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed police and concerned agencies to perform their duties diligently for promoting brotherhood, religious harmony and maintaining law and order during Muharram ul Haram and remain fully alert on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ashur. He said that no negligence can be tolerated in the present situation. He said that whatever humanly possible has been done for maintaining peaceful atmosphere during Muharram-ul-Haram and has expressed the hope that these efforts would yield positive results.

He was addressing a meeting of nine Divisional Commissioners and Regional Police Officers of the province through video conference for reviewing the implementation on the plan evolved for security arrangements on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ashur, here today. Ministers, administration and police officers in the Commissioners’ offices while Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah Khan, Col. Retd. Shuja Khanzada, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, Home Secretary and concerned officials attended the meeting at the central control room of Civil Secretariat.

Addressing through video conference, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that all possible steps have been taken for the maintenance of law and order during Moharram-ul-Haram. He said that all required resources have been provided to the police but it is need of the hour that every Pakistani should fulfill his national responsibility for maintaining law and order and extend cooperation to government agencies. He said that instructions have already been issued to police officers to ensure implementation on security plan at all costs, remain present in their respective areas, carry out spot checking and ensure implementation on the law.

He said that in case of any violation and taking law into hand, strict action should immediately be taken against the persons without any discrimination. He said that there should be no shop or hindrance in the route of procession. He directed that processions should be monitored through CCTV cameras and best arrangements of light should be made. He said that police should remain present at the culmination of the procession of Ashur till leaving of the last mourner (Azadar).

The Chief Minister said that the staff deputed on anti-dengue duty in Lahore, Sheikhupura and Rawalpindi should continue performing their duties. Ministers, Commissioners and RPOs performing their duties in various districts informed the meeting about the security arrangements in their respective areas whereas Inspector General Police gave a briefing regarding security arrangements on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ashur throughout the province.