Shahbaz Sharif reviews security arrangements for Muharram

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting, here today, which reviewed in detail security arrangements for maintaining law & order during Muharram-ul-Haram particularly Yaum-e-Ashur throughout the province and important decisions were taken for ensuring foolproof security. The meeting decided to ban pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 all over the province. The meeting decided to close mobile phone service from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm on Muharram 10 in the province.

Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that protection of life and property of the people is top priority and there is no room of negligence or laxity in this regard. He said that Punjab government has taken all necessary measures for further improving law & order in the province and indiscriminate action is being taken against those displaying arms. He warned that the publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred will not be tolerated at any cost and action is being taken under the law against violators. He said that the step taken under National Action Plan in the province have yielded encouraging results.

The Chief Minister said that country is facing a critical situation, therefore, law enforcement agencies should remain alert for foiling nefarious designs of the enemies. He directed that foolproof security plan evolved for Yaum-e-Ashur should be implemented in letter and spirit throughout the province and a vigilant eye should be kept on mischievous elements. He said that hundred percent implementation of ban on pillion riding on Muharram 9 and 10 should be ensured. He said that special attention should be paid to the security of Imam Bargahs, mosques, worship places and shrines and search operation based on intelligence should be continued.

Shahbaz Sharif said that law enforcement agencies should ensure effective alternative arrangements of communication for providing information and mutual contacts. He said that the decision of establishing four tiers cordon for the protection of Majalis and processions should be fully implemented. He said that as alternative arrangements of light, generators should be arranged for Majalis and mourning processions during night. He directed that the code of conduct should be implemented at every cost.

The Chief Minister said that strict action should be taken against the violators of code of conduct, law banning publications and distribution of objectionable literature and provocative wall-chalking. He said that the sentiments of brotherhood, tolerance and patience should be promoted in the society. He said that all processions should culminate according to the fixed timings and routes. He said that the alternative traffic arrangements should be publicized in an effective manner for the convenience of the people.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Cabinet Committee on Law & Order should regularly review the steps taken for ensuring law & order situation. He said that elected representatives along with police and administration should also review security arrangements. He directed that the arrangements should also be made for timely provision of eatable items to the security officials deployed for protection of Majalis and processions. He said that Commissioners and RPOs should visit sites for personally reviewing arrangements in their respective districts and submit a report in this regard.

Secretary Home gave a detailed briefing for the steps taken with regard to security arrangements in the province. Inspector General Police also informed the meeting about the legal action taken against violators of code of conduct. Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Members National and Provincial Assembly Pervaiz Malik, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Mian Naseer Ahmed, Ramzan Siddique Bhatti, Majid Zahoor, Bao Akhtar Ali, Inspector General Police, Secretary Home, Commissioner Lahore Division, Secretary Information and senior officials of law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.

All Divisional Commissioners, RPOs and elected representatives attended the meeting through video link whereas Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal participated in the meeting through video link from Rawalpindi.