Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has proposed to set up a special squad dedicated to removal of encroachments from main markets, bazaars and roads. He directed the officials to take stern action against encroachments, unauthorised number plates, applied-for vehicles and motorcycles and to launch an operation against professional beggars roaming on roads and traffic signals. Along with use of force, support of public representatives and notables of the area should also be utilised in operation against encroachments, especially in areas of Shahdra, Thokar Niaz Baig and Kahna, he added. While presiding a high level meeting held at Central Police Office on Monday, Sukhera directed City Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore to leave no stone unturned in bringing an end to encroachments and professional beggary. He also proposed to set up a special anti-encroachment squad. “The working mechanism of the squad should prevent the establishment of the encroachments and illegal stalls in markets, bazaars, crossroads and roads by starting action early in the morning, so that smooth flow of the traffic should be ensured, he added.

IG said the trend of bike riding without wearing a helmet should be discouraged throughout the Punjab. He also proposed to launch public awareness campaigns in this regard and to coordinate with motorcycle manufacturing companies to provide helmets to customers on discounted price or by including price of helmet with the price of bike, as usage of helmet could minimise the risk of life. He directed the police high ups to improve monitoring of patrolling of Dolphin Force and Police Response Unit (PRU). He said regular maintenance and inspection of PRU vehicles and Dolphin Force’s bikes should be ensured. Mobil oil and filters of these vehicles should be changed in time with utmost care, he added. “An officer of the rank of the DSP should supervise the regular inspection after every 15 days and strict departmental action should be taken against official using vehicles and motorcycles carelessly,” he concluded.