CM ORDERS FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS DURING MUHARRAM

PUNJAB Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that no effort should be spared for ensuring law and order and protection of life and property of citizens during Muharram and foolproof security arrangements should be made for this purpose. He said present situation demanded that maximum resources should be utilized and even better security arrangements should be made this year than the past for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere on this occasion.

He was presiding over a meeting to review law and order situation and security arrangements for Muharram.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that every possible effort should be utilized for maintaining unity and brotherhood during Muharram and security agencies should perform their duties efficiently. He said that enemy was bent upon undermining survival of the country and the whole nation should unite for foiling the nefarious designs of the enemy.

He said that nothing could be more important than maintenance of law and order. He said that effective security

arrangements were made by law enforcement agencies in the past due to which no unpleasant incident took place. He said that in the present situation when the country was facing the serious issue of terrorism, there was a need to improve security arrangements and maximum resources should be utilized for this purpose.

Shehbaz said that Islam gave the message of tolerance, patience and restraint and the environment of religious harmony and brotherhood should be further improved during Muharram. He said that survival of Pakistan depends upon elimination of terrorism and the menace of terrorism and sectarianism could be eliminated through maintaining national solidarity.

He said that Ulema and Mashaikh should play their due role for promotion of tolerance and moderation in the society and they should spread the message of love and brotherhood.

The CM directed that law enforcement agencies should remain fully alert and the security plan evolved for ensuring law and order should be strictly implemented while patrolling system should also be improved. He directed that solid measures should be taken for security at mosques, Imambargahs and other places and additional police force should be deputed. He said that senior officers should ensure implementation of security plan as well as undertake patrolling in their respective areas.

He said that violation of the code of conduct will not be tolerated in Muharram and ban on objectionable literature and material should be effectively implemented and its violators should be brought to the law. He said that indiscriminate action should be taken against the elements involved in delivering provocative speeches and wall- chalking. He directed that cabinet subcommittee should review security measures during Muharram and ensure their implementation.

Home Secretary and inspector general police gave a detailed briefing on security arrangements during Muharram. Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah, Jehangir Khanzada MPA, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmad, chief secretary, inspector general police, home secretary and concerned officers were present in the meeting.