LAHORE: Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Dr Hassan Askari has directed the Water & Sanitation Authority and district administration for early disposal of rain water and said that relevant officials should personally supervise disposal of stagnant water and every possible resources should be utilised for that purpose. He said that water disposal should be carried out on priority basis and immediate steps be initiated for that purpose. He has also directed the traffic officials to take necessary measures for a smooth flow of traffic so that citizens may not face any difficulty. Caretaker CM Punjab Dr Hassan Askari met with Caretaker Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk at the Governor’s House Lahore on Thursday. During the meeting, different matters of mutual interest including arrangements regarding upcoming elections and other important issues came under discussion. On the occasion, both reiterated the commitment of ensuring holding of free, fair and transparent elections. Dr Hassan Askari said that arrangements are being completed for peaceful holding of elections in the province and the concerned departments and other agencies are rendering their duties in a professional manner. He said that holding of impartial elections is a collective responsibility of us all and by the grace of Allah Almighty this important responsibility will be fulfilled by working as a team. Separately, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) President Masood Khan met with Hassan Askari at his office on Thursday. During the meeting, different matters of mutual interest including historic importance of Youm-e-Ilhaq Kashmir came under discussion. Askari said that incidents of unprovoked firing by the Indian army at the line of control are highly condemnable. He said that continued silence of the international conscience on worst atrocities of the occupied Indian armed forces against unarmed Kashmiris in Indian-Held Kashmir is deplorable. The AJK president said on the occasion that Pakistan has highlighted Kashmir issue at every forum. Published in Daily Times, July 20th 2018.