LAHORE  - Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari has said that a just society can ensure protection to socio-economic rights of everyone.

In his message on the eve of International Justice Day, the chief minister said the day underlines the need for raising public awareness about utility and importance of justice in a society.

He said the day is an opportunity to pay tribute to people who have rendered great sacrifices in the struggle against injustice. He said that Islam has laid stress on dispensing justice to everyone without any discrimination and added that a just society can be formulated through the protection of human rights. “I am of the opinion that a just society is imperative for socio-economic development of the country and it goes without saying that provision of justice to each and every person is responsibility of the state. The societies ultimately disappear from the map of the world where justice becomes non-existent,’ he added. Dr Askari stressed upon the civil society to play its role along with the government for formulating a society based on the principles of justice and equality. “Today, we should reiterate our commitment to ensure provision of justice to every segment of society,” the chief minister said.

Also, Askari underlined the need for making use of rainwater on the pattern adopted by many developed countries across the world. The chief minister asked Provincial Minister for Housing, Environment and Cooperative Saeed Ullah Babar, who called on him here yesterday, to take necessary steps to making use of rainwater in light of experiences of the developed countries. He said that water is a great blessing of Allah Almighty and its careful use is need of the hour. “There is a need to take necessary steps in the right direction to use rainwater efficiently,” he added. Separately, Provincial Home Minister Shaukat Javed called on Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari at his office here yesterday. During the meeting, steps taken for implementation of electoral code of conduct came under discussion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Askari said that implementation on code of conduct for free and fair polls will be ensured at every cost. Indiscriminate action will be continued on violation of code of conduct devised by the Election Commission, he added. The chief minister said that necessary steps are being taken to improve the law and order situation and added that peaceful atmosphere will be provided to the voters for use of right of franchise without any fear.