–Chief secretary says holding free, fair polls admin’s national duty
LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi on Friday said the interim government was completely impartial and did not have any political agenda.
Speaking to caretaker provincial minister for Industry, Trade & Investment, Irrigation, Mines and Zakat, Anjum Nisar, who called on him, the chief minister said that holding of general elections in a transparent manner would be ensured by remaining completely impartial and their performance would be a clear proof of the government’s neutrality.
“All departments concerned will have to perform their duties in an efficient and dutiful manner to ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” he added.
CM Askari observed that development of the industrial sector on modern lines was pivotal to strengthen the national economy and added that issues like unemployment and poverty could be solved by promoting industry, trade and investment related opportunities. “All these sectors are vital for rebuilding and development of the country,” he said.
He directed the minister to take necessary steps so that the industrial sector could follow labour laws and give attention to water treatment besides other rules and regulations. “Implementation of relevant rules and regulations is the responsibility of the line departments as well as the administration concerned. Similarly, implementation of environmental laws should also be ensured and agencies concerned should work with diligence and hard work.”
The chief minister also said that trade and economic activities increase owing to investments and later result in the eradication of poverty and unemployment.
He said the provision of a conducive atmosphere was important to motivate foreign investors and if the government succeeded in it, the trend of investment would be boosted and national economy would be further strengthened.
The caretaker chief minister further said the situation of law and order was also an important factor in the strengthening of national economy as trade and investment-related activities invariably increased in peaceful conditions.
‘HOLDING FREE, FAIR POLLS OUR NATIONAL DUTY’:
Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani on Friday said that holding free, fair and transparent elections was a national duty and all possible steps would be taken to discharge this responsibility as per the guidelines by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Addressing a video-link meeting of all commissioners and deputy commissioners at the Civil Secretariat, the chief secretary said that law and order was vital for holding elections peacefully. He directed all administrative officers to ensure best arrangements for the polls and said that divisional and district vigilance committees should be made fully functional and regular meetings of these committees be conducted to monitor law and order.
“Latest technology should also be also utilised to maintain law and order,” he said, while ordering that the implementation of code of conduct for polls be ensured in letter and spirit.
He directed the officers to adopt open door policy for resolving the problems of the people and ordered that anti-dengue activities be expedited across the province. “Awareness regarding dengue should also be enhanced as people’s cooperation is of significant importance in the efforts to control dengue. All departments should play an active role in this regard.”
The chief secretary also issued instructions to complete all arrangements to cope with possible floods and monitor weather and flows in rivers.
Home Secretary Nasim Nawaz told the meeting that necessary directions regarding security during polls had been issued to districts administrations. The Irrigation secretary briefed that levels of water in all rivers and dams was normal and there was no threat of flooding so far.
The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries of different departments including local government and community development, schools education, primary and secondary health, Lahore division commissioner, chief meteorologist and other officers concerned.
