Punjab Governor Latif Khosa on Tuesday said though peaceful protest was people’s democratic right, yet the administration must ensure smooth traffic flow and business activities at The Mall. Talking to the delegations of The Mall and Hall Road that called on him at the governor’s house, Khosa said peaceful protest was democratic right of every person, but it was the prime duty of the administration to protect lives, properties and businesses of the citizens besides ensuring smooth running of traffic.
Khosa asked the delegations to await decision on a petition pending in the Lahore High Court regarding ban on rallies on The Mall. He, however, assured the traders of directing the authorities concerned to protect their businesses and properties form the participants of rallies and processions on The Mall. Regarding their demand to exempt The Mall traders from power load shedding, the governor reminded them that during the PPP government in 1996 Pakistan was in a position to export energy to India.
He revealed that 1200 megawatts energy had been added to the system by the current democratic government. He said the government was taking steps to overcome power crisis. Meanwhile, a delegation of Motor Dealers Association Jail Road also called on Governor Latif Khosa and held in-depth discussion with him on the complications in the taxation system being faced by local manufacturers of vehicles. He assured the delegation of looking into the matter. He kept on to say that the federal government was taking concrete measures to broaden the tax net.
