Punjab

CM wants month to pass in peace

Orders officials to activate peace committees, says members must work to promote religious harmony

Our Correspondent September 23, 2017

PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: Like every year, a foolproof security arrangement be made to maintain law and order situation and protect lives and properties of the people during the month of Muharram, said Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

He was speaking at a meeting held to review security arrangements during the month of Muharram. The chief minister directed officials to activate peace committees at the district level and members of these committees should work proactively to promote religious harmony in their districts.

Code of conduct devised for Muharram

“Control rooms should be established at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels and four-tier security protection must be arranged for the mourning processions”, he said. Shehbaz added that a report should be presented after conducting 100% audit of CCTV cameras, generators, lights, walkthrough gates, metal detectors and other security equipment. No compromises would be made on the publication and distribution of objectionable material and indiscriminate action be initiated in case of any violation.

The chief minister said that a strict action should be taken against the people found involved in provocative speeches and the observance of code of conduct be ensured at every cost. He added that violation of wall-chalking law would not be tolerated. Shehbaz said that no leniency would be tolerated in the present day circumstances. Therefore, law enforcement agencies should remain fully alert and professional capabilities be utilised to ensure maintenance of peace.

Pillion-riding banned in Islamabad from Sept 27 to Oct 1 for Muharram

During Muharram, every possible step should be taken to promote religious harmony and the devised security plan be implemented entirely during the month. Additional forces should be deputed at mosques, Imam Bargahs and other religious places. Law enforcement agencies should maintain close and continuous liaison with each other and rule of law be ensured at every cost.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23^rd, 2017.