Maintaining law, order during Muharram govt’s top priority: Shahbaz

LAHORE: Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that nothing could be more important for the government than maintenance of law and order and all required resources would be provided for the purpose.

The chief minister issued directions to improve security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram, saying no effort should be spared for the protection of life and property of the people.

Presiding over a high level meeting with regard to security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram on Saturday, the chief minister issued directions to constitute a cabinet committee, headed by the provincial law minister, for reviewing security arrangements and ensuring implementation of security plan during Muharram-ul-Haram. He directed the cabinet committee to visit entire province and review the security plan evolved for the purpose. He said that his helicopter would also be available for the visits of the cabinet committee.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, the chief secretary, the secretaries of Home, Law and Information Departments, the Inspector General Police, the Commissioner, the District Coordination Officer and the CCPO of Lahore and officers concerned also attended the meeting.

The chief minister said that the country was passing through the most critical juncture and the enemy was hatching conspiracies to harm the country’s sovereignty. He said that the entire nation would have to be united for foiling the nefarious designs of anti-state elements.

The chief minister said that Muharram-ul-Haram was approaching and all institutions concerned should be ready for making security arrangements, leaving no stone unturned in this regard. He called for arrangements to ensure security during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the punctuality of timings schedule and routes of the processions should be ensured at every cost which was utmost essential for the maintenance of law and order and protection of Azadaars. He said that a four-tier security cordon should be made, CCTV cameras installed on the routes and walk-through gates, jammers, generators, lights and other necessary items arranged from now.

The chief minister said that implementation of ban on display of weapons should be ensured and strict action taken against the violators. He said that indiscriminate action should be taken against those making provocative speeches, distributing and publishing hatred material.

The Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary and the Inspector General Police gave detailed briefings regarding security arrangements during Muharram-ul-Haram.