Punjab told to ensure politicians’ security

CM assures PM Mulk all measures being taken to this end

LAHORE: Caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk has urged the Punjab government to give special attention towards safety of political leadership and the general public attending public meetings.

On Thursday, Mulk chaired a meeting at Governor House Lahore to review the law and order situation and the preparations made for elections in the province.

The prime minister also said “With elections day in sight, greater efforts, vigilance and coordination are needed to ensure smooth and peaceful completion of the polling process.”

He stressed that the administration should maintain a close liaison with political leadership to ensure strict compliance of Code of Conduct and the security protocols set for the elections.

Punjab Chief Minister Hasan Askari assured the prime minister that the provincial government is fully committed to discharging its constitutional obligation of facilitating free, fair and peaceful elections.

Punjab Chief Secretary Akber Hussain Durrani briefed about the arrangements made by the provincial government.

He also apprised about the successes made in disrupting planned terrorist activities in various parts of the province.

Mulk appreciated the efforts being made and the coordination exhibited by law enforcement agencies to ensure law and order in the province.

The meeting was also attended by Home Minister Shaukat Javed, Local government and community development minister Zafar Mehmood, Information and Culture minister Ahmed Waqas Riaz, IG Police Kaleem Imam, Provincial Election Commissioner Zafar Iqbal Hussain and senior government officials.

Earlier in a one on one meeting with the PM at Governor House, Dr Askari said arrangements are being completed for peaceful holding of elections in the province and the departments and other agencies concerned are rendering their duties in a professional manner.

On the occasion, both reiterated the commitment of ensuring holding of free, fair and transparent elections.

“Holding of impartial elections is a collective responsibility,” he added.

Later, the chief minister and provincial cabinet members also called on the PM Mulk at Governor’s House.

I am happy that caretaker government in Punjab is performing its duties in a professional and neutral manner, Mulk said.

He said that best arrangements have been made to ensure holding of transparent elections and we all have to perform responsibility to hold fair elections as a team.

Talking on the occasion, Dr. Askari said that caretaker government in Punjab is fully focused on transparent, impartial and free elections.

I am personally monitoring the elections related arrangements by visiting different cities. I am also conducting visits to improve the law and order situation.

The administration and police are totally neutral in Punjab, he added.

Arrangements have been made to provide level-playing field to all the political parties and cooperation is being extended to the relevant departments to make the electoral process fully transparent, concluded the chief minister.