The Sindh government decided on Friday that it will impose Section 144 in the province during Eidul Azha and also announced that those collecting hides of sacrificial animals without permission will be arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The decision was made at a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House to discuss the law and order situation, jointly chaired by Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
Officials of police, Rangers and the departments concerned attended the meeting. “It was decided that nobody shall be allowed to collect hides from people until he obtains permission through a written application from the district coordination officer (DCO) and people violating the orders will be booked under the ATA,” it was written in a handout issued by the Chief Minister’s House.
It was also decided during the meeting that no unauthorised person, group or organisation will be allowed to obtain and purchase hides without the permission of the DCO and there will be a place specified for collection of hides.
“It was decided that Section 144 of the CrPc will be enforced in the province in order to maintain brotherhood, tranquillity, peace and cohesion in the province during Eidul Azha.” The people collecting hides with permission will have to maintain a record of hides they receive. The participants of the meeting also decided to give awards and special prizes to police officials, whose performance is outstanding. It was also decided that besides the existing housing schemes for low-paid police officials, a cooperative housing society for police officials will also be set up soon.
Unauthorised hide-collectors to face terrorism charges
