Indiscriminate action: CM orders crackdown against sectarianism

LAHORE: Keeping in view the current security situation in the country, the Punjab government has decided to take indiscriminate action against anyone preaching hate and promoting sectarianism during Muharram.

This was decided in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday.

The meeting decided the ban on loudspeaker would be strictly implemented throughout the province and action would be taken against all those violating rules and regulations. Those using loudspeaker for hate speech would be booked under the amplifier act.

An official, who attended the meeting, said the chief minister stressed that efforts should be made on bringing different sects closer and creating harmony among them to maintain peace.

The current situation of the country, he added, demanded extraordinary measures against sectarianism.

The CM also directed the police and other law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant during Muharram to ensure peace and security.

Shehbaz also said police should utilise all resources to maintain peace in coordination with other law enforcers to ensure safety of the citizens.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, chief secretary, police chief and other lawmakers and senior officials also attended the meeting.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2016.