The Punjab cabinet decided on Saturday that pillion riding will be banned and mobile phone service suspended on Muharram 9 and 10 at sensitive places as well as along the procession routes.
Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi presided over the first provincial cabinet meeting that approved a foolproof security plan for Muharram, especially on the eve of Ashura.
He asserted that the provincial ministers, advisers and special assistants would oversee security arrangements in their districts. He directed the cabinet members to visit their districts forthwith to monitor the steps being taken for the protection of the lives and properties of the people.
The chief minister issued directives to hold regular meetings at the district level to ensure peace and security on the Youm-e-Ashur and to ensure CCTV coverage of all processions and Majalis.
He ordered the authorities to ensure peaceful environment at any cost during Muharram, especially on the Youm-e-Ashur.
He directed the members of district and divisional peace committees to play a proactive role to promote religious homogeneity.
The CM asserted his resolve not to make any compromise on the publication and distribution of objectionable material and said indiscriminate action will be taken over its violation.
He directed the authorities to ensure implementation of the code of conduct and the law enforcement agencies to maintain a close liaison with one another. The security arrangements should also be regularly monitored.
The chief minister ordered prompt implementation of a special aid and relief package for the flood affected areas and expeditious compensation for damage caused to the fields and the properties.
The Punjab cabinet assented to reconstituting its Standing Committee for Finance and Development headed by Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari.
It also approval reconstitution of the Cabinet Standing Committee for Legal Affairs. The provincial minister for public prosecution and cooperatives will head the committee.
The members of the cabinet prayed for the martyrs in the helicopter accident of Pakistan Army Aviation in Balochistan.
They expressed their deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of lives due to flood and rains.
The CM stated that every eye is in tears over the tragic helicopter accident and we salute the martyred army officers. He lauded the martyred Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali and other army officers who sacrificed their lives during the performance of their duties.
Addressing the cabinet members, the chief minister vowed to serve the masses of the province. “You are my team and we all have to provide relief to the people by uniting as a team,” he stated. He urged the cabinet members to work in a manner for the public welfare which can significantly distinguish the performance of the incumbent government. He exhorted the cabinet members to fulfil their responsibilities for the people and said their performance should speak for itself.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi also ordered the departments and institutions concerned to remain alert all the time in the wake of rains in Lahore and other cities.
He directed the district administration, Water and Sanitation Agency, Rescue 1122 and Provincial Disaster Management Authority to undertake prompt measures to cope with the situation arising out of rains. He directed the departments concerned to ensure expeditious drainage of rainwater from the low lying areas. He said the officials concerned should come out of their offices to oversee the water drainage work.
The chief minister directed the traffic police to take effective measures to ensure that the citizens do not face any difficulty in commuting.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2022.
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