This is quite a praiseworthy initiative undertaken by the Punjab government in view of the prevailing circumstances
LAHORE: It is a matter of great concern and alarm that lately there have been an increase in number of incidents of violence at health institutions and other sensitive public places in Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities, resulting in loss of precious lives.
It is quite commendable that the Punjab government has taken due cognisance of these violent incidents and has not wasted a moment in implementing necessary amendments to the Public Order Ordinance 1960. The amended law prohibits entry of armed persons into health facilities and sensitive civic places where congregations generally gather for any social, economic, religious, recreational or political activities. Offence under this law has been made cognisable and non-bailable and the offender will be liable to punishment on summary trial of imprisonment of not less than seven days extendable to one year and a fine of at least Rs25,000. This is quite a praiseworthy initiative undertaken by the Punjab government in view of the prevailing circumstances. But at the same time, it is suggested that the amended law should be given wide publicity and its gist should be prominently displayed at all such places where entry of armed persons has been prohibited, and punishment for contravention of the provisions should be extended, both in terms of imprisonment and fine.
Armed persons venturing into prohibited places obviously do so with malicious intentions, as has been reported in the media from time to time post several incidents, and the wrongdoers should not be let off the hook so easily.
Kamran Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2016.
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