Maintenance of law and order is the top priority of the government, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday while presiding over a high level meeting to review law and order situation and security arrangements for Muharram 9 and 10.
Home secretary and Punjab inspector general of police gave a detailed briefing in this regard.
Addressing the meeting, the chief minister said that Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase and terrorism and extremism have shaken the foundations of the country. He said that enemies of peace are bent upon destroying the country. He said that under these circumstances, there is a need for national unity for foiling the nefarious designs of anti-state elements.
He said that present situation demands emergent and foolproof security arrangements. He said that all departments concerned should remain fully alert in view of the arrival of the sacred month of Muharram and utilise all their energies for maintaining law and order. He directed that strict implementation of the security plan evolved for the protection of Majalis and religious processions be ensured and a four-tier cordon be established. He further directed that special attention be paid to the monitoring of sensitive places. He said that additional police force be deployed at mosques, imam barghas and other places of worship.
The chief minister directed that the law regarding ban on provocative material and literature be strictly implemented and action under the law be taken against the violators. He said that the law against display of firearms should be strictly enforced, adding that action should also be taken without any discrimination against the elements involved in delivering provocative speeches and wall-chalking. He said that restriction regarding routes and timings of processions should be ensured. He directed that CCTV cameras be installed on the routes while walk-through gates, generators, lights and other necessary equipment should also be arranged. He said that institutions concerned should work in a coordinated manner. He said that a vigilant eye be kept on suspects and alternative means of communication should also be arranged.
The chief minister said that ulema and mashaikh should deliver a message of religious brotherhood, harmony and tolerance in their sermons as unity and cohesion is the need of the hour. He said that members of peace committees at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels should perform their duties in an active manner.
SIX ARMY COMPANIES TO BE DEPLOYED FROM MUHARRAM 1:
Meanwhile, a meeting headed by Lahore Corps Commander decided that six companies of the army will be deployed in the provincial capital from Muharram 1 for maintaining law and order in the city.
Officials of the district government and police also attended the meeting.
It was also decided in the meeting that 2 helicopters will also be provided on Muharram 9 and 10 for aerial surveillance. Officials reiterated their resolve to leave no stone unturned in order to maintain law and order during the month of Muharram.