Maintenance of law and order is the top priority of the government: CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that maintenance of law and order is the top priority of the government. He directed that even better security arrangements than the past be made for Muharram-ul-Haram and no effort be spared for the protection of life and property of citizens. He said that government will continue to provide resources for the maintenance of peace. He said that strict implementation of the security plan should be ensured throughout the province.

He was presiding over a high level meeting to review law and order situation and security arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram, here today. Secretary Home and Inspector General Police Punjab gave a detailed briefing in this regard. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase and terrorism and extremism have shaken the foundations of the country. He said that enemies of peace are bent upon destroying the country.

He said that under these circumstances, there is a need for national unity for foiling the nefarious designs of anti-state elements. He said that present situation demands emergent and foolproof security arrangements. He said that all concerned departments should remain fully alert in view of the arrival of Muharram-ul-Haram and utilize all their energies for maintaining law and order. Shahbaz Sharif directed that strict implementation of the security plan evolved for the protection of Majalis and religious processions be ensured and a four-tier cordon be established.

He further directed that special attention be paid to the monitoring of sensitive places. He said that additional police force be deployed at mosques, Imam Barghas and other places of worship. The Chief Minister directed that the law regarding ban on provocative material and literature be strictly implemented and action under the law be taken against the violators. He said that the law against display of firearms should be strictly enforced. He said that action should also be taken without any discrimination against the elements involved in delivering provocative speeches and wall-chalking.

He said that restriction regarding routes and timings of processions should be ensured. He directed that CCTV cameras be installed on the routes while walk-through gates, generators, lights and other necessary equipment should also be arranged. He said that concerned institutions should work in a coordinated manner. He said that a vigilant eye be kept on suspects and alternative means of communication should also be arranged.

Shahbaz Sharif said that ulema and Mashaikh should deliver a message of religious brotherhood, harmony and tolerance in their sermons as unity and cohesion is the need of the hour. He said that members of peace committees at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels should perform their duties in an active manner.

Provincial Ministers Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Member Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, Secretaries of Home, Health and Information departments as well as concerned officers were present in the meeting.