LAHORE – Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammad Habib-ur-Rehman has ordered the police to launch crackdown against the godowns of fireworks and the manufacturers involved in the dangerous and illegal business.
According to an official handout issued on Saturday, the provincial police chief has directed all the district police officers (DPOs) to launch crackdown against the godowns and manufacturers of fireworks and take strict action against the owners of such factories.
The police officers have been directed to identify the fireworks producing factories in their respective areas and ensure stringent action against the violators as per law.
The provincial police chief issued these instructions while taking serious notice of the death of two people who were killed after explosions took place at a firework godown near Agahi Chowk in Multan on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a 10-member delegation of Shia Ulema headed by Al-Haaj Haider Ali Mirza called on the IGP at the Central Police Office on Saturday to discuss security related matters with him.
On this occasion, the IGP said the law and order situation and general security to the public in the province were linked with sectarian harmony. Therefore, it is the top priority of the Punjab police to promote and strengthen unity and brotherhood among different sects.
The Shia Ulema, including Allama Abdul Khalid Asadi, Asad Abbas Naqvi and Agha Abbas, and Lahore DIG (Operations) Rai Muhammad Tahir and AIG (Admin) Sohail Akhtar Sukhera were also present on the occasion.
The Ulema also discussed the registration of FIRs of serious and sensitive nature against religious leaders. They also demanded of the provincial police chief that extraordinary and foolproof security arrangements should be made for Majalis and processions across the province.
On this occasion, the IGP directed DIG Rai Muhammad Tahir and AIG Sohail Akhtar Sukhera to leave no stone unturned and use all available resources to ensure foolproof security during Majalis and processions on Youm-e-Shahadat Ali (RA).
The religious leaders thanked the IGP for listening to their complaints and issuing on the spot instructions to the quarters concerned.