Local elections: Foolproof security measures ordered for phase II

All candidates directed to submit weapons in respective police stations

LAHORE:

Foolproof security arrangements should be made for the protection of lives and property during the second phase of local government elections, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday.

He was presiding over a meeting convened to review preparations for the upcoming local government elections in 12 districts.

The meeting decided that candidates taking part in the elections would have to deposit their licensed weapons at the respective police stations. Licences for the weapons not deposited with the police will be cancelled. The meeting also decided that the Election Commission of Pakistan will be formally requested to deploy rangers and the army at sensitive polling stations. There will be a ban under Section 144 on carrying and displaying of firearms. Candidates will not be allowed to take out a procession to celebrate victory. There will also be a ban on firing in the air. The meeting decided that there will be a ban on gathering of five or more people within 300 meters of a polling station on the polling day. There will be a local holiday on the day in the 12 districts on the elections day.

Shahbaz Sharif said that the decisions taken to ensure a peaceful atmosphere should be implemented strictly. “Protection of the life and property of the people is the top priority of the government. All resources are being utilised for this purpose,” he said.

He directed police to perform its duties diligently. “Relevant police officers should personally monitor security arrangements. No negligence or laxity will be tolerated. A peaceful atmosphere must be ensured for elections at every cost,” he said.

The chief minister directed the IGP to ensure that the candidates deposit the licenced weapons at police stations. “Police and administrative officers will be responsible for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for elections. Practical steps should be taken for this purpose,” he said.

The home secretary and the IGP briefed the meeting. MPA Hamza Shahbaz, Pervaiz Malik, Rana Sanaullah, Malik Nadeem Kamran, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmad, Zaeem Hussain Qadri and Khawaja Imran Nazir attended the meeting.

Paris attacks condemned

On Saturday, Shahbaz Sharif telephoned the French ambassador in Pakistan and strongly condemned the Paris attacks. The chief minister said that the people of Pakistan stood with the people of France. “The attack on innocent people is condemnable,” he said. He expressed grief over the incident and sympathised with the bereaved families.

US consul general

American Consul General in Lahore, Zachary Harkenrider, met Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday. Matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and enhancement of cooperation in different sectors were discussed at the meeting.

Roof collapse

The chief minister took notice of the collapse of a roof of a private school in Machike, Sheikhupura. He also sought a report from the Schools Education secretary and the Sheikhupura DCO.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2015.