Bracing for Ashura: CM reviews security arrangements for Muharram

Sharif says terrorism and extremism have shaken nation’s foundations

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday that the government had prioritised the maintenance of law and order.

He was speaking at a meeting convened to review the law and order situation and security arrangements for Ashura. Sharif said no effort should be spared to protect the life and property of the people. He said the government would use all resources at its disposal to maintain order.  The chief minister said officials should ensure that security plans were strictly followed across the Punjab.

The home secretary and the inspector general briefed the chief minister in this regard.  Sharif said Pakistan was passing through a critical phase in its history. He said terrorism and extremism had shaken the foundations of the country.

Sharif said some people were conspiring to destroy Pakistan.  He said national unity was needed to overcome these challenges.

Sharif said the prevalent situation mandated foolproof security arrangements. He said plans formulated to secure sensitive locations should be adhered to and four-tier cordons should be established around them.  Sharif said these locations should be monitored round-the-clock.  The chief minister said additional policemen should be deployed at sensitive places.

He said the ban on provocative literature should be strictly enforced and anyone found guilty of violating it should be dealt with according to law.  Sharif said those found guilty of delivering provocative speeches and inscribing objectionable graffiti should be punished. He said restrictions regarding the routes and timings of processions should be followed. Sharif said CCTV cameras should be installed along these routes.

The chief minister said the provision of walk-through gates, electricity generators and lights should also be ensured.  He said the departments should collaborate with each other in a conductive manner. Sharif said suspects should be monitored and alternate lines of communication should be maintained.

He said religious leaders should stress the need to maintain peace and harmony. The chief minister said members of peace committees across the Punjab should effectively discharge their duties. Ministers Shuja Khanzada, Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, former law minister Rana Sanaullah and several government officials were present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2014.