CM Punjab directs for peaceful second phase of local bodies’ elections

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif presided over a high level meeting, here today, in which a number of important decisions were taken for maintaining law & order situation for the protection of life and property of the people during second phase of local bodies’ elections.

Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif directed that foolproof security arrangements should be made for the protection of life and property of the people in the second phase of local bodies’ elections in 12 districts. He said that the decisions taken for ensuring peaceful atmosphere should be implemented strictly. He said that protection of life and property of the people is top priority of the government and all out resources are being utilized for this purpose.

The Chief Minister said that police will have to discharge its duties devotedly and diligently for maintaining law & order and protecting life and property of the people. He said that police officers should remain present in the field to personally monitor security arrangements. He warned that no negligence or laxity in the protection of life and property and violation of law will not be tolerated. Shehbaz Sharif said that he wants only results. He said that peaceful atmosphere will be ensured in the second phase of local bodies’ elections at every cost. He said that violation of ban on displaying and carrying weapons will not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister directed IG Police that indiscriminate action should be taken against violators under the law and depositing of licensed arms in police stations by local bodies candidates should be ensured at every cost. He said that police and administrative officers will be responsible for ensuring peaceful atmosphere in local bodies’ elections and practical steps taken for this purpose should be visible.

The meeting also reviewed various measures with regard to law & order in the second phase of local bodies’ elections in 12 districts. Secretary Home and Inspector General Police gave briefing about security arrangements made in 12 districts in the second phase of local bodies’ elections.

The meeting decided that the candidates taking part in the second phase of local bodies’ elections in 12  districts of Punjab will have to deposit their licensed weapons in the concerned police stations and the license of those candidates not depositing weapons will be cancelled. All candidates taking part in the elections on the seats of chairmen, vice chairmen and councilors will have to deposit their weapons in concerned police stations.

The meeting also decided that the Election Commission will be formally requested to deploy rangers and army at sensitive polling stations of 12 districts in the second phase of local bodies’ elections. There will be a ban on carrying and displaying of firearms under Section 144 throughout the province and this ban will also be applicable to the licensed weapons. No candidate can take out procession or rally for celebrating victory. There will also be a ban on aerial firing.

The meeting decided that there will be a ban on gathering of five or more persons on polling day near polling station within the limit of 300 meters in the second phase of local bodies’ elections. There will be a local holiday on polling day in 12 districts in the second phase of local bodies’ elections.

Members National Assembly Hamza Shahbaz, Pervaiz Malik, Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Members Provincial Assembly Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Kh. Imran Nazir, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police, concerned secretaries and senior officials attended the meeting.