CM reviews security arrangements for the tour of Zimbabwe Team

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting, here today.

The meeting reviewed in detail the steps taken with regard to setting up of Special Protection Force, security arrangements during visit of Zimbabwe cricket team to Pakistan, capacity-building of Elite Police Training School, Punjab Safe City Project and overall law and order situation in the province.

The Chief Minister gave approval in principle to the establishment of Punjab Safe City Project Authority whereas it was decided in the meeting to expand Elite Police Training School under which a new campus will be set up for the training of officers and officials in the existing Elite Police Training School on Bedian Road.

It was also decided to constitute a Special Protection Force comprising ten thousand officials whereas approval to a comprehensive plan was also given for providing foolproof security to Zimbabwe cricket team during its visit to Lahore.

Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab Safe City Project is of great importance for the protection of life and property of the people. He said that cities will be made safe under Punjab Safe City Project by benefiting modern technology. He said that a watchful eye will be kept on mischievous elements through implementation on this important project which will help in controlling crimes.

The Chief Minister directed that Punjab Safe City Project should be forwarded speedily and work be carried out on this project with responsibility and national spirit. He said that Punjab Safe City Project is being started from Lahore which will also be expanded to other cities of the province under a phased programme. He said that in view of the present situation, Safe City Project is needed in every city of the country.

Shahbaz Sharif directed the concerned officials that this project should be state-of-the-art and special attention should be paid to the quality in this regard. He said that the work on this project should be carried out on priority basis. He said that the steering committee should review all matters of the project regularly and take immediate steps.

The Chief Minister said that expansion of Elite Police Training School is need of the hour. He said that a new campus having latest training facilities at the existing police training school will be set up on Bedian Road due to which training felicities for police officers and officials will be enhanced whereas District Elite Police Force Group will also be constituted.

Shahbaz Sharif directed that Cabinet Committee should ensure immediate implementation on the steps to be taken with regard to expansion at Elite Police Training School and submit a report within a month.

The Chief Minister while giving approval to the decision of constituting Special Protection Force comprising ten thousand officials said that this force is being set up for the security of Chinese people and other foreigners. Therefore, steps should be taken on war-footing regarding preparation of this force and the recruitment of officials in Special Protection Force should be made completely on merit through NTS, he added.

He said that modern training should be arranged for the officials to be recruited in Special Protection Force. Shahbaz Sharif directed to constitute a sub-committee of Cabinet Committee and added that the sub-committee should review implementation on the decisions regularly and suggest immediate steps.

The Chief Minister directed police officers and administration to ensure foolproof security arrangements for Zimbabwe cricket team during its visit to Lahore at all costs and four-tier cordon should be made for the security of Zimbabwe cricket team. He said that alternate routes should be arranged for the flow of traffic during the visit of Zimbabwe cricket team and proper publicity of alternate routes is essential for the awareness of the people.

The meeting observed one minute silence on the tragic incident of deaths of wives of Indonesian and Malaysian Ambassadors and Ambassadors of Norway and Philippine at Naltar whereas Fateha was offered for the departed souls of martyred pilots Maj. Altamash, Maj. Faisal and Chief Technician Subedar Zakir.

Provincial Minister for Home Col.(R) Shuja Khanzada, Minister for Law Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman, Members Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah Khan, Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmad, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Secretary Home, concerned secretaries, Commissioner Lahore Division and senior officials attended the meeting.

The meeting presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif with regard to setting up of Special Protection Force, security arrangements during visit of Zimbabwe cricket team to Pakistan, capacity-building of Elite Police Training School, Punjab Safe City Project and overall law and order situation in the province continued for four hours and a number of important decisions were taken regarding law and order.

The meeting observed one minute silence on the tragic incident of deaths of wives of Indonesian and Malaysian Ambassadors and Ambassadors of Norway and Philippine at Naltar whereas Fateha was offered for the departed souls of martyred pilots Maj. Altamash, Maj. Faisal and Chief Technician Subedar Zakir.

The Chief Minister said on the occasion that the entire nation is grieved over this tragic incident. Shahbaz Sharif said that he and Punjab government equally share the grief of the bereaved families.