LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the police and all other security operatives to adopt every measure to ensure protection and security of the citizens and their properties.
Presiding over a high-level meeting on law and order here Tuesday, the CM ordered for plugging every loophole in the security system and take effective measures for overall improvement therein throughout the province. He said that it is responsibility of the state to protect life and property of the people and improve law and order situation. Therefore, all the institutions concerned including police should spare no effort in this behalf.
Shahbaz directed all the institutions concerned to establish a close liaison to keep a vigilant eye on the mischievous elements. These institutions must play a proactive role to foil nefarious designs of the anti-state elements. He directed that strict vigilance of entry and exit routes of the province should be carried out. He warned that no negligence with regard to maintenance of law and order would be tolerated.
The Inspector General Police and Secretary Home gave detailed briefings regarding law and order situation in the province.
Meanwhile, Shahbaz announced Rs1m compensation for the families of each security official who embraced martyrdom during Karachi Airport attack, in addition to providing them free of cost house in Ashiana Housing Scheme and free education to their children. He said the Punjab government would also provide free medical treatment to the heirs of the martyrs.
Talking to media during a signing ceremony here on Tuesday, the CM said that the terrorists attack on Karachi airport is a tragic incident which is highly condemnable. He said that the security officials embraced martyrdom with courage and valour and the whole nation is proud of their sacrifices for the country. He also paid rich tribute to the security personnel on discharging their national responsibilities efficiently without caring for their lives. He said that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go waste. He said although the financial assistance is not an alternative of life but it is the responsibility of the government to look after the children and heirs of the martyrs.
The CM also strongly condemned the incident of firing by terrorists at ASF camp in Karachi and appreciated the timely action by the security forces. He said the security forces foiled the nefarious designs of the terrorists through courage and bravery.
Separately, Slovakian Deputy Prime Minister Miroslav Lajcak called on CM Shahbaz and matters of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral relations came under discussion. Ambassador of Slovakia Jan Bory, the provincial ministers, Secretary Industry and senior diplomats of Slovakia were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM welcomed Mr Miroslav Lajcak in the city and highlighted cordial relations between the two countries. However, he laid stress on the need for promoting trade and economic ties between the two countries. He also thanked the Slovakian government for its support in granting GSP Plus status to Pakistan by the European Union. He said that special attention has been paid to the development of textile and garments sectors as well as increasing exports after attaining the GSP Plus status and a project has been evolved to set up a state-of-the-art Quaid-e-Azam Apparel Park near Motorway. He said that Slovakia has expertise in hydle projects and its cooperation in this sector will be welcomed. He promised all out facilities to the Slovakian investors in this regard.
Shahbaz said Pakistan believes in the principle of peaceful co-existence and desires good relations with the neighbouring countries. He said there is a need to spend maximum resources on the welfare and betterment of the people, so that their living standard could be improved.
Mr Miroslav Lajcak said that his country wanted to promote relations with Pakistan in energy and other sectors. He said that the CM is serving the masses with commitment and dedication, and has taken exemplary measures for the prosperity of the people.