Following directions of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Punjab government has adopted immediate and effective measures to ensure implementation of National Action Plan to fight terrorism.
The government has also made necessary arrangements in the relevant laws for making punitive sentences even more stringent and robust implementation.
A spokesman of the Punjab government stressed that, till November 11, 2015, vigorous action has been taken under National Action Plan on newly promulgated laws in Punjab, during which a total number of 48,617 cases have been registered, while 53,151 accused have been arrested, for various offences including hate speech, wall chalking, display of arms and other offences under the newly promulgated laws.
The spokesman pointed out that CM Sharif has been holding regular meetings of the Apex Committee and issuing orders for necessary measures, besides continuously reviewing law and order situation in this regard. The spokesman asserted that measures taken by the Punjab government under NAP are yielding highly positive results, which is manifested in the improvement in the law and order situation of the province.
Recently, the Punjab government issued guidelines under National Action Plan for maintenance of peace during Muharram. Threat perception issued by the Home Department noted that with the commencement of military operation Zarb-e-Azb has badly affected militant activities to carry out terrorist activities.
During Muharram procession and majalis, the Punjab Government issued strict instructions regarding supervision by the local administration, police, while local elected representatives accompanied the main processions and were present at sensitive points. During Muharram, the Punjab government strictly enforced the ban on all objectionable hate material, speeches, gagging fire brand speakers, removal of objectionable wall-chalking, posters and banners.
The Punjab government spokesman emphasised that the whole nation is united in the effort to rid the country of extremism, intolerance and terrorism under the National Action Plan. The spokesman vowed that the Punjab government realises well that effective implementation of National Action Plan is highly essential for survival of the country in order to ensure its stability and prosperity.
Meanwhile, CM Shehbaz Sharif called an emergency meeting Saturday to review overall security situation and implementation of NAP in the province.
According to sources, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the CM Rana Maqbool, IGP, chief secretary and home secretary attended the meeting.
A report on NAP implementation was finalised in the meeting, the sources said. The report would be presented in the upcoming meeting of the Punjab Apex Committee, they added.
