Punjab cabinet remained active to ensure peace during first Ashra of Muharram: Minister Salman

LAHORE, Jul 03 (APP):Punjab Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee, Khawaja Salman Rafique, has said that the entire provincial cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, remained active in the field during the first ten days of Muharram-ul-Haram to ensure peace and security across the province.

He made these remarks while chairing a meeting on law and order held at the Home Department on Friday. Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed participants on the latest law and order situation across Punjab. The Cabinet Committee conducted a detailed review of security arrangements and appreciated the performance of all relevant institutions during Muharram-ul-Haram.

The meeting directed authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of individuals involved in spreading sectarian hatred through social media. Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government is carrying out extensive cyber patrolling to maintain peace in the digital sphere and is taking strict action against elements inciting sectarianism online. He added that the law and order situation across the province remains satisfactory and that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the state’s foremost responsibility.

The minister also paid tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police personnel who sacrificed their lives for the establishment and maintenance of peace. He said Pakistan has earned great honour and respect in the international arena through successful negotiations and diplomacy.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi said that all available resources are being utilised to maintain peace throughout the province. He added that action has been ordered against those creating mischief on social media under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), stressing that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against elements spreading hatred in society.

Special Secretary Home Faisal Farid, Additional IG Operations, Chief Coordinator Pftech, DIG CTD, Additional Secretary Internal Security and other concerned officials attended the meeting, while commissioners, deputy commissioners, RPOs and DPOs participated through video link.