Public rallies, processions banned in entire Punjab
By Assad Abbas - Pakistan Times Staff Reporter

LAHORE: The Punjab government has imposed ban on rallies and processions in the entire province restricting PPPP from taking out rally to welcome its leader, Asif Ali Zardari on April-16, official sources said.

The police sources disclosed the government had imposed section 144 in the province to stop the PPPP activists and workers from holding a rally on the arrival of Asif Ali Zardari.

The sources say the Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi held a high level meeting here in Provincial Secretariat and ordered strict implementation of section 144 all over the province.

The meeting also reviewed the security situation on the arrival of Asif Ali Zardari.

Meanwhile, the police officials have also informed the PPPP leaders in Punjab that they will not be allowed to take out rally.

Plans of Zardari

Asif Ali Zardari is arriving in the City from Dubai on April-16 and the PPPP is mobilising all its resources to accord him a historic welcome, similar to the one given to Benazir Bhutto in 1980s, and PPPP leaders are determined to take out the rally.

“We will welcome our leader come what may”, PPPP leader Qasim Zia said when contacted, adding senior police officers have conveyed him the ‘message’ of the Punjab government.

MMA has also announced its rally on the same day.

However, an official handout said that the Chief Minister Sunday announced concrete measures to eliminate crimes as well as elements providing sanctuary to the criminals.

He was presiding over a high level meeting of provincial administration in the Punjab Hall, Civil Secretariat. Chief Secretary, Kamran Rasool, IGP, Saadat Ullah Khan, Home Secretary, Hassan Waseem Afzal and other senior police officers also attended the meeting.

Chief Minister said patrolling posts should be increased in the province and special operations to eliminate the activities of the criminals in the kacha areas should be launched. He further directed change in procedure for returning the recovered property to their legal owners.

Police Patrolling Posts

Addressing the meeting Chief Minister said police patrolling posts would help in controlling the crimes on the highways but also help in remove encroachments on the roads.

Chaudhry Pervez Elahi said river belts and kacha areas would not be allowed to become safe haven for the dacoits. Rangers and helicopters will be used in operation against anti-social elements.

He announced setting up of police posts in the surrounding areas of Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan and for this purpose government will provide funds on priority basis.

He said that at every post 20-25 police officials alongwith latest weapons will be deputed and motorboats will also be provided for their efficient working.

Chief Minister said during his visits of different districts, complaints were made regarding the notorious gangsters and cattle-lifters. He directed that strict action should be taken against the cattle-lifters and people involved in this business should also be taken to task.

CM expressed his dissatisfaction over the procedure of handing over the recovered stolen items to their owners. He said if necessary the government would also make legislation to this effect.

CM stressed upon the district police officers to strive for improving the image of the police in the people.●