LAHORE: All segments of society, including police and other national institutions need to evolve joint strategy to create peace in the country during Ramazan and round the year while according to the police rules society is more responsible for creating peace as compared to police.
These views were expressed by the experts in Jang Economic Session on ‘What steps should be taken for security in Ramazan’. The panellists were Altaf Qamar, Sohail Lashari, Khawaja Khawar Khurshid, Agha Saidain, Mian Fazal Ahmed and Raja Hamid Riaz while hosted by Sikandar Lodhi.
Altaf Qamar said that Police Department, in accordance with the police rules, helped to check crime and establish peace, so everyone in the society should be a responsible citizen. He said Police Department performance improved by facilitating it but criminal activities increased during Ramazan. He called for national level arrangements to control the terrorism and crimes and all stakeholders should jointly work to control anti-state elements.
Sohail Lashari said that increasing disappointment in the society was causing surge in crime rate. He said crime could be controlled by ensuring basic civic facilities, economic opportunities and social balance. He said comprehensive strategy was required to counter terrorism while public problems would be resolved by controlling economic terrorism. He said the rule of law would resolve economic and social issues.
Khawaja Khawar Khurshid said that security situation in Punjab was improved for the past few years but space for improvement still existed. He said half of police force in Punjab was deputed for VIPs and security duties while the rest half remained on leave due to various reasons. Thus, only 7,000 police force left behind for province’s security while the performance of police with limited facilities was commendable. He said traders should also reduce their profit during Ramazan and Eid likewise other parts of world while media
also play a responsible role while reporting on security-related issues.
Agha Saidain said that security issues during Ramazan increased on two fronts. On one front, companies increased the cash withdrawal from banks to give bonuses or alms and the other was increase in the number of the faithful in mosques at prayer timings. So to avoid the any untoward incident during Ramazan the security around religious places should be increased, he said. He suggested the introduction of modern security mechanism, installing CCTV cameras, walkthrough gates and other equipment deputing intelligence officials at various places could improve law and order. He demanded the media to run awareness campaign as well.
Mian Fazal Ahmed said security should be tightened during Ramazan. He appreciated the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order and suggested strict implementation of National Action Plan (NAP). He said using information and technology could help in improving the security situation.
Raja Hamid Riaz said that remittances increased in Ramazan which increased the monetary dealings while criminal activities also increased due to poor security arrangements. He said if the public and business community themselves had to take the responsibility for their security then why government collected taxes from them.