Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique said on Saturday that law-enforcement agencies were making full efforts to maintain peace across Punjab, while a complete ban had been imposed on banned organisations from collecting sacrificial animals’ hides during Eidul Azha.
He was presiding over the 52nd meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order at the Home Department. Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin co-chaired the meeting, while Provincial Ministers Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Bilal Akbar Khan and Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani also attended. Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the participants on the latest law and order situation and government measures.
The committee reviewed all necessary arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram-ul-Haram and approved the extension of Rangers deployment in Attock and Dera Ghazi Khan. The committee also approved the deployment of price control magistrates in various districts and sanctioned Rs. 650 million for cricket matches, by-elections, Urs celebrations and other expenditures.
The committee appreciated the special development package introduced after the successful operation in the Kutcha Area and considered various proposals regarding law and order measures.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said a detailed review of the province’s law and order situation had been conducted. He directed that District Intelligence Committee meetings be held in all districts before Eid-ul-Azha and ordered speedy disposal of applications submitted by registered organisations seeking permission for collection of sacrificial animals’ hides.
He said meetings with religious scholars belonging to different schools of thought were continuing to ensure peace and harmony during Eid-ul-Azha.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin stressed the need for strict monitoring of entry and exit routes of animal markets and directed the district administrations to prominently display lists of banned organisations. He also called for effective action against extortion mafias.
Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain appreciated the efforts of all institutions for maintaining peace and said hate speech and illegal use of loudspeakers would not be tolerated.
Provincial Minister Bilal Akbar Khan stressed strict monitoring of banned organisations regarding sacrificial animals’ hides collection and said peace committees should be mobilised throughout Punjab.
Provincial Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani directed the authorities concerned to ensure exemplary arrangements at livestock markets and provide maximum facilities to citizens, adding that protection of life and property remained the Punjab government’s top priority.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi directed all districts to implement Home Department’s guidelines for foolproof Eid security arrangements and establish district control rooms linked with the central control room.