Punjab approves using checkpoints for overall security

LAHORE: The Punjab cabinet met on Thursday and approved utilising patrolling posts set up in the province for the overall security and protection of life and property of citizens.

According to the plan, the staff at patrolling posts would also be employed to stop highway robberies, inter-provincial smuggling and activities of proclaimed offenders.

Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said a yearlong training of the staff recruited for the patrolling posts had been completed and now they were ready to perform their duties. He also said the highest standard of training had been ensured.

He said methods of crimes had also changed with the passage of time and besides proper training, the police force had been equipped with the latest weapons and swift means of transport. He said the government had also decided to set up special police posts for the protection of industrial areas in the province.

Similarly, the number of police posts in Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Attock and other border districts would also be increased, he said, adding that protecting the life and property of investors working for Pakistan’s industrial development was also the government’s responsibility and it would fully discharge all its obligations in this regard.

He hoped that after the setting up of patrolling posts, the free movement of criminals on highways would become impossible.

The meeting also reviewed Punjab’s law and order, with the chief minister saying that the government and people had high expectations of the police with regard to its performance and behaviour. He said it was a matter of satisfaction that besides the elements engaged in sectarian violence, most of those involved in attacks on senior government officials had also been arrested.

The meeting also reviewed recommendations by the Punjab with regard to the 6th National Finance Commission Award. Expressing his views, the chief minister said the allocation of more funds to the province would resolve their long-standing problems and they would have abundant resources at their disposal for the people’s welfare.

He also said the Punjab had always tried to settle the award issue justly and realistically. Recent meetings in Islamabad had helped the provinces understand each other’s points of view. app

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