Whistleblower cells to take on extremism
The Punjab government has decided to effectively enforce the Loudspeaker Act and establish whistleblower cells in every district to help establish the rule of law and writ of the state in the province.
It was decided in the third extraordinary meeting on the law and order situation presided over by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to set up a special call in the Punjab Police Helpline 15 against extremist groups and illegal foreign residents.
The people of the province were urged to call the helpline for sharing information about extremist groups and illegal immigrants.
According to an official statement, the government also decided to take effective measures to rid the province of illegal weapons, besides declaring the culture of corruption and mafias no longer acceptable.
It decided to immediately make the 'peace committees' effective and more active for the purpose, which will be kept on board in all ongoing law enforcement operations.
Under the vision of the 'state at the doorstep of people', the services of mobile police stations will be delivered to every citizen.
The government once again made it clear that combing operations are carried out only against specific extremist mindsets and not against any sect or faith.
All district administrations will update the authorities on the combing operations against illegal international residents daily.
They will have to update the district reports on a daily basis as to how many illegal residents are involved in business, how many of them have been brought into the tax net, and how many illegal international residents are in the deportation centres.
The provincial government decided to strictly ban and take action against advertisements, pictures and placards of extremist groups. The citizens were cautioned not to rent out shops or houses to illegal residents. Otherwise, action will be taken against them under the Tenancy and Passport Acts.
The government announced that cases would be registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) against those who spread hateful content on social media, in accordance with a zero tolerance policy against online incitement and hatred in Punjab.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the death of a young motorcyclist due to a kite string in Lahore. She extended heartfelt condolences to the family of 21-year-old Nauman, who lost his life in the incident.
Condemning the illegal act of kite flying, she directed the authorities concerned to take immediate action against those responsible. She also directed the capital city police officer (CCPO) to submit a detailed report about the incident without delay.
The chief minister reaffirmed her government's commitment to strictly enforcing the ban on illegal kite flying to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in future.
Skills training
Chairing another meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to conduct an industrial survey in order to help align skills training with market needs in the province.
It was revealed in a statement that skill training had been provided to over 180,000 youth in a few months under the Skilled Youth Programme.