Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday directed strict action against criminal elements and also made it clear that the government will back the officials in case they face any 'pressure.'
He said this while chairing a meeting to overview the law and order situation in the province, sources said. The Inspector General Punjab gave a detailed briefing about steps to check crimes in the province, action against criminal elements, change in police station culture, professional training of police personnel, encouragement of officials of good repute, amendments in laws and public awareness campaign against criminals.
In another meeting, the premier was briefed on the progress in the implementation of local government system. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, Punjab Chief Secretary Naseem Yousuf Khokhar, Chairman Planning and Development Habibur Rehman, provincial secretaries and other senior officers.
The prime minister was given briefing on the Punjab Municipal Services Programme. The senior officers of the local government and community development department apprised him on planning in this regard. The programme about local bodies' elections on lower tier was also discussed, the sources added.
While addressing the meeting on law & order, the premier directed to launch an extensive public awareness drive against child abuse. Referring to the incidents of child abuse in Kasur and Chunian, the PM said he is deeply grieved over these incidents which invite wrath of God.
The premier asked Usman Buzdar and other high-ups to visit Kasur, Chunian and other affected areas and meet with the local Ulema, affluent people, school teachers and parents to discuss the issue to avoid such incidents, besides creating awareness to identify the elements involved in such crimes.
Khan was apprised of action plan evolved under an integrated strategy against elements involved in child abuse and child pornography.
Earlier, Usman Buzdar and Governor Ch Muhammad Sarwar separately met PM Khan and discussed affairs of the province besides matters of mutual interest.
The Punjab CM briefed the premier about Nawaz Sharif's health. He also briefed the PM on the steps taken by Punjab government regarding Nawaz Sharif's treatment. Best medical facilities are being provided to the PML-N supremo, he told the PM, sources said, adding: "Other issues regarding development and administrative work in the province and CM Usman Buzdar's summoning by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday were also discussed."
Matters concerning Punjab government's preparations regarding Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman's Azadi March were also discussed, the sources added. Sardar Usman maintained that Pakistan is moving towards development under the leadership of Imran Khan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019