The threat of terrorism and extremism can only be defeated if the nation displays unity, brotherhood and faith in these trying times, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Thursday.
Presiding over a high-level meeting held to review the law and order and security arrangements during Muharramul Haram, Shahbaz ordered all senior security officials to visit their respective districts in person to monitor the security situation.
He said no negligence would be tolerated in the implementation of Muharram security plan to ensure law and order. He said the organisers of majalis and processions should be taken into confidence regarding security arrangements, while a four-tier security arrangement plan around majalis and processions should be strictly enforced. He ordered an increase deployment of police personnel at mosques and Imambargahs.
The chief minister directed that senior advisors, provincial law minister, chief secretary and other special teams should conduct surprise visits to review security arrangements throughout the province.
He ordered removing of construction material from the routes of processions, and said that processions’ routes should be completely cleared. He further directed increasing security arrangements and keeping a vigilant eye on suspicious elements. He said terrorism at Dhok Syedan in which precious lives were lost is highly condemnable and strict measures should be taken to prevent incidents like these happening again. Prayers for the victims of the Dhok Syedan tragedy were also offered at the meeting.
