Law and order: Shahbaz reviews election security

Those who resort to celebratory firing will be arrested: Shabaz

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday reviewed steps taken for maintenance of law and order during the second phase of local government elections in the province.

He directed district administrations to deploy Rangers at highly sensitive polling stations in their areas. He said police would have to play a proactive role for enforcement of law.

“The second phase of local government elections should be held in a peaceful atmosphere. It is the responsibility of police and district administrations to ensure this,” he said.

The chief minister said police should arrest those resorting to celebratory firing. He said the ban on weapons should be strictly enforced.

Sharif said candidates having licensed weapons should deposit those at police stations.

“Licences of the candidates who fail to do so should be cancelled,” he said.

The chief minister said police officers showing good performance would be rewarded. He said proper arrangements should be made for supply of food to police officers and staff performing duties on election day.

He said the cabinet committee should monitor implementation of the security plan.

The chief minister said five or more people should not be allowed to gather within 300 metres of polling stations.

The Home Department secretary and the inspector general of police gave a briefing on security arrangements.

Minister Rana Sanaullah, National Assembly members Hamza Shehbaz and Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmad, MPAs Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Manshaullah Butt and the chief secretary were also present. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 19^th, 2015.