The Punjab authorities have taken important decisions for maintaining law and order ahead of protests announced by opposition alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and summoned reports from the departments concerned.
According to officials concerned, the Punjab Police Special Branch has been tasked with compiling report on a daily basis regarding the law and order situation across the province. The decisions were taken during a session of a sub-committee of law and order of the Punjab cabinet.
Sources said that the authorities concerned have been directed to prepare ‘separate lists’ of political activities associated with the major opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F).
A report was sought regarding the venues of the opposition rallies to ascertain the estimation of the number of people and names of political activists who are deputed for the provision of food and transport facilities to the protestors.
Moreover, another report was sought regarding the opposition leaders and workers who are facing cases. The meeting was attended by Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat, additional chief secretary interior, Inspector General (IG) Punjab Police and others.
During the session, Raja Basharat said that the measures for maintaining law and order were reviewed and nobody will be allowed to violate the government’s orders and law.
In Punjab, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz is likely to address a public gathering in Gujranwala on October 16, according to a party leader Rana Sanaullah.
It is decided to take strict action against those trying to disturb peace situation across the province.
CORONAVIRUS: the Cabinet Committee also reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the Punjab. Raja Basharat stressed the need to take strict steps to stop re-emergence of coronavirus in the province.
He said that after the increase in coronavirus cases in Sindh, measures should be taken to stop second phase of the pandemic.
He warned that if people would not take precautionary measures, smart lockdown could be put in place in high risk districts and areas again. Briefing on the current situation of pandemic in the province, the Primary Health secretary said that the number of coronavirus cases and deaths were soaring in the Punjab in recent days, especially in Gujranwala, Nankana Sahib and Gujarat.
Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said that coronavirus spread in Punjab after Sindh and Karachi. Strict steps were needed to control the spread of pandemic again, she added.
Raja Basharat said that SOPs like wearing of masks and social distancing were being ignored in public gatherings across the province.
He advised the Punjab health department to formulate new SOPs and ordered the district administration to ensure complete implementation.
