Police told to protect commuters

CM calls for making roads safe from robbers

PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz addressing a rally in Lahore's NA-199 constituency on Thursday, January 25, 2024. SCREENGRAB

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered the police to immediately take action stop robberies on roads in the province.

"Bring down the crime rate in every district under any circumstances," she directed police officers while chairing a meeting to discuss their performance. She reviewed the proposed indicators for evaluating the performance of police officers.

The chief minister directed the officers to take necessary measures to ensure safe journey on roads besides launching a crackdown to eliminate criminal hotspots across Punjab.

She also directed them to ensure the protection of traders and shopkeepers against robbers.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted, "Dacoity and other crimes on roads of cities are unacceptable under any circumstances."

She called for making every road and street safe besides taking strict legal action against the criminals.

"The relevant police officers will be held responsible if any dacoity or other crime occurs anywhere," she declared.

The chief minister also said, "Children and women are my red line. Crimes against them must be stopped at the earliest."

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chief secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, the additional IGP and other relevant officers attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sought an immediate report from the inspector general about an incident of firing on a school van in Attock. She expressed sorrow and grief over the death of two female students and directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical treatment facilities to those injured in the incident.

Religious tolerance

In a message on the International Day Commemorating Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated, "No religion allows violence. There is no religion in the world that encourages violence against people of different faiths."

She said. "Inflicting torture and violence on the basis of religion and beliefs is a reprehensible act. The Muslims are targeted on the basis of religion as growing Islamophobia is its prime example. For decades, Muslims in Kashmir and Palestine have been put to torture on the basis of beliefs."

CM Maryam Nawaz said, "Pakistan gives equal respect to followers of all religions and beliefs. The white colour in the flag of Pakistan represents different religions as all are Pakistanis and there is no discrimination."

She said strict action had been taken against the hidden hands that were involved in committing violence against the minorities and they were dealt with an iron hand.

The government of Punjab is committed to promoting religious harmony and tolerance." She added.

The CM said, "Discrimination or violence on the basis of one's religion or belief must be stopped. We should promote love, tolerance and brotherhood in the society. Such nefarious elements which strive to incite religious discrimination and hatred must be defeated."

She appealed for standing against violence and prejudice, and playing an effective role for a peaceful and secure society.

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