LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Najam Sethi has said the caretaker government is ready to meet security challenges and every step is being taken to maintain law and order in the province.   “Holding fair and peaceful elections is the top priority of caretaker government and it has taken all possible steps for the purpose,” the chief minister said while presiding over a meeting on security Thursday. Home Minister Tariq Pervaiz, secretary, inspector general police, Additional IGs and other high-ups attended the meeting.
He said that sensitive polling stations have been identified, which would be monitored. He said training of police officials, to be deputed at the polling stations, is underway. The chief minister directed the police authorities to benefit from modern technology to maintain law and order.
Sethi directed the police to keep a vigilant eye on suspicious and anti-social elements. He said promotion of religious tolerance, forbearance and brotherhood is the need of hour and Ulema should play their part for the purpose. He said special measures would be adopted for security of political personalities during election rallies and processions.
Separately talking to Cooperatives, Energy, Industry and Transport Minister Arif Ijaz  said the caretaker government would discharge its national responsibility of holding impartial and transparent elections in accordance with its mandate.  He called upon provincial ministers to keep doors of their offices open to solve the public problems. Najam Sethi also directed provincial ministers to dispose of day-to-day matters of their concerned departments without any delay. Also, Radio Pakistan’s Murtaza Solangi called on the chief minister at Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
Sethi said radio is an effective medium of mass communication and its role can never be ignored. He said radio provides vital information to the people of far-flung areas. He said radio has a fundamental importance in the electronic media, and Radio Pakistan is playing an important role in providing timely information to the general public. Newly-appointed Chairman of Planning and Development Sohail Ahmed also called on Sethi.