Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Hassan Askari held an important meeting with Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Durrani and Inspector General Police Kalim Imam at the Chief Minister’s Office on Tuesday.

The secretary to the CM was also present.

Talking on the occasion, Caretaker CM Hassan Askari said that holding of transparent elections will be ensured at every cost and voters will be provided with a peaceful environment to express their right of franchise. According to the directions of Election Commission of Pakistan and in line with relevant rules and regulations, best arrangements are being made for the upcoming elections, he added. He said that administration and police will play a neutral role in Punjab and all the political parties will be provided equal opportunities in general elections. The caretaker government will perform the election duty in the best manner. The CM directed that police and administration should ensure to discharge government affairs in the professional manner and pressure or interference of any sort should not be tolerated. He said that impartiality of administration and police will be the conspicuous proof of their best performance. Holding of elections is a national obligation and every official of police and administration will have to play its role in this regard, concluded the CM.

Hassan Askari expressed his satisfaction over foolproof arrangements made for the safety of life and property of the people on Eidul Fitr.

He lauded the efforts of provincial home minister, IG police and officials of law enforcement agencies for making proper security arrangements. He also appreciated the performance of police and other law enforcement agencies for making best security arrangements for Eidul Fitr congregations.

“It is satisfying that police and other law enforcement agencies worked day and night and best maintained the law and order. Different line departments maintained best coordination and ensured peaceful atmosphere during Eid. We have to work with same zeal and commitment in future as well to maintain peace so that the country could become a haven of peace in the real sense,” concluded the CM.

Askari also took notice of the murder of a female social worker in Dera Ghazi Khan and sought a report from IG police.

He directed authorities to immediately arrest the criminals involved in this murder and added that legal action should be initiated. He has also extended sympathies to the bereaved family and ensured that justice will be provided at every cost.

Published in Daily Times, June 20^th 2018.