Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has ordered foolproof security measures throughout the province on the occasion of Yaum-e-Ali(RA). He directed police and other law-enforcement agencies to remain alert and senior police officer should pay field visits to ensure strict implementation of the security plan evolved for this purpose.
He was addressing a meeting to review security arrangements on Yaum-e-Shahadat of Hazrat Ali(RA) and law-and-order situation in the province, here on Friday. Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Member Provincial Assembly Colonel (R) Shuja Khanzada, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Capital City Police Officer Lahore and senior officers concerned were present.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan is passing through the most critical phase of its history and the enemies are bent upon damaging the country. He said that under the situation, promotion of religious harmony, national solidarity and brotherhood is the need of the hour.
He said that the people will have to sink their petty differences and gather on a single platform to foil the nefarious designs of the enemies and every citizen will have to play its due role for peace in the country. He directed that foolproof security arrangements on the pattern of Muharram-ul-Haram should be made on Yaum-e-Ali and no effort should be spared for the maintenance of law and order.
He said that a watchful eye should be maintained on suspicious elements and adherence to the timings of processions should be ensured. He said that co-operation of elected representatives should also be sought for security arrangements and law and order and all Commissioners and District Co-ordination Officers should hold consultations with each other for this purpose. He said that elected representative should play an active role for the implementation of the security plan and promotion of an atmosphere of brotherhood on Yaum-e-Ali in their respective districts.
He directed that an effective system should be evolved for monitoring the activities of miscreants and stern action should be taken against them. He said that senior police officers should personally brief the police force regarding security measures on Yaum-e-Ali and remain present in the field for monitoring its efficiency.
He further directed that funds should immediately be released for Iftar and food of police force and officials of other departments performing duty on Yaum-e-Ali. He said that maintenance of law and order and protection of life and property of citizens is the prime responsibility of police and no effort should be spared in this regard.
Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa informed the meeting that effective security arrangements on the pattern of Muharram-ul-Haram have been made for maintaining civic peace on Yaum-e-Ali and provincial ministers have been sent to their respective divisions for this purpose.
Chief Secretary Nasir Mehmood Khan Khosa informed that security arrangements have been finalised for Yaum-e-Ali (RA) and instructions have been issued to all Commissioners and District Co-ordination Officers in this regard. Inspector General Police Javed Iqbal gave a briefing regarding overall law-and-order situation in the province and the measures taken against criminal elements.