Lahore: Punjab Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique Friday said that political and religious extremism on social media would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He was chairing the 60th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held at the Punjab Home Department here, which reviewed the law and order situation across the province in detail.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed the committee on the prevailing law and order situation. The committee approved the formation of four Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) and authorized jail trials in 21 cases.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the law and order situation across the province was reviewed in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He appreciated the efforts of law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and paid tribute to those who had sacrificed their lives for the protection of the lives and property of the public.
Punjab Minister and Co-Chairman of the committee Bilal Yaseen said no leniency would be shown to elements disrupting law and order, adding that protection of the lives and property of the public was the Punjab government’s top priority.
Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said no activity endangering public lives or property would be permitted. He also appreciated the performance of the Punjab Home Department and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Rana Bilal Ahmed said all available resources were being utilised to maintain peace across the province, while law enforcement agencies were ensuring effective and consistent security arrangements.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said Section 144 remained in force throughout Punjab until October 5. He said a complete ban had been imposed on the assembly of five or more people at public places, processions and inciting others to participate in such gatherings. Carrying or displaying weapons of any kind at public places was also strictly prohibited.
Additional IG Muhammad Ali Nekokara, Special Home Secretary Faisal Farid, the Lahore Commissioner, DIGs of the Special Branch and CTD, Additional Secretaries for Internal Security and Judicial Affairs, and officials of relevant departments attended the meeting. Commissioners and RPOs from across Punjab participated via video link and briefed the committee on the law and order situation in their respective areas.