CM orders strict implementation of arms display ban; Chinese investment lauded
LAHORE
PUNJAB Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting of the provincial cabinet on Tuesday, which approved a comprehensive programme for the training of 30,000 police officers and Jawans on modern lines.
The chief minister also ordered strict implementation of the ban on display of firearms in the province. The chief minister directed the police to take effective measures against illegal weapons and the cabinet committee should submit final recommendations for a vigorous crackdown against illicit weapons in the province. The cabinet also approved a unanimous resolution expressing gratitude to the Chinese leadership over the historic and successful visit of Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to China. It was observed in the resolution that the historic package of investment by China for Pakistan was reflective of the confidence of the Chinese leadership in Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif stressed that nothing could be more important than maintenance of law and order and in view of the present situation, every possible effort should be made to ensure safety of life and property of citizens. He maintained that Pakistan was passing through a critical phase and there was a need to promote tolerance, restraint, brotherhood and a spirit of sacrifice. He advised the whole nation to unite in the interest of the survival of the country. The chief minister directed the police and law enforcement agencies to make foolproof security arrangements in the province. He also directed the police to curb SMSs based on religious hatred and improve the intelligence sharing system. He ordered the authorities concerned to check graffiti and misuse of loudspeakers.
He said that the programme of training of police on modern lines would be carried out expeditiously and modern training would be arranged for 30,000 police officers and jawans under the phased programme. “The design of integrated command and control centre has been prepared and funds of Rs25 crore have been released for the centre,” he said ordered authorities to give final shape to recommendations on computerisation of police stations for their capacity building at the earliest.
Referring to the performance and sacrifices of police and security institutions for the elimination of terrorism, Shahbaz Sharif assured the masses that the blood of martyrs would not go waste. He lauded the supreme sacrifices of the army, police and common citizens for the country. He said that eradication of extremism and sectarianism, which had shaken the foundation of the country, was of vital importance.
Referring to his successful visit to China, the chief minister said the cabinet that love, sincerity and hospitality shown by the Chinese leadership during the visit was unparalleled. He said the visit was the most important and encouraging experience of his entire political career during which the Chinese leadership, expressing complete confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, announced a massive package of investment of $30 billion which was a living proof of the unswerving friendship of China with Pakistan. He said that under this big package, energy projects of 20,000 megawatt would be set up in the country and he believed that it was the most important gift of the Chinese leadership to Pakistan in the current circumstances. He said that the recent visit to China had also proved that Pak-China friendship was higher than the Himalayas, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel. He informed the cabinet that besides the energy sector, China had also expressed willingness for investment in the transport sector and given approval to 1.7 billion dollars for an Orange Line in Lahore. He said that history had given a big opportunity to Pakistan and it was time to change the course of history and put an end to 68 years’ deprivations.
The Punjab cabinet unanimously approved a resolution to express gratitude to China. The cabinet appreciated the people and government of China and felicitated the President and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the historic economic package offered by China. The cabinet observed that the package was made possible due to hard work, good governance and transparency of the government.
Earlier, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting to review law and order in the province. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minster said that protection of life and property of citizens was the prime responsibility of the government. He said that police should perform its duty with efficiency and commitment, as no negligence or laxity would be tolerated in this regard. He asked to ensure strict monitoring of entry and exit points of the province.
Foreign investors: A delegation of foreign investors and traders led by Prime Minister’s Special Ambassador on Foreign Investment Javed Malik called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday and expressed interest in investment in different sectors including energy and mining. Provincial Ministers Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Sher Ali Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Energy, concerned secretaries and DG LDA were also present.
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