14 check posts approved to prevent smuggling in Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet Standing Committee on Law and Order has approved the construction of 14 joint check-posts to prevent smuggling in the province. Rangers, police and customs officers will be permanently posted at these check-posts.

Sources said initially the check-posts will be set up in DG Khan, Attock and Bhakkar. The committee approved short-term and long-term policies for the construction of check-posts. In the short-term policy, the responsibility for establishment of check-posts will be on deputy commissioners of respective districts, who will provide space, internet, makeshift containers and other facilities there.

The Home Department will pay the expenses for all these arrangements to deputy commissioners. The construction of three check-posts will cost Rs750 million for which the preparation of PC-1 has been started. The area of large check-posts will cover eight acres on both sides of the road where barracks will be built.

Officers of the Punjab Food Department will also be posted at these check-posts during the wheat buying season.

Sources said during the meeting of the standing committee, briefing was also given on the appointment of special judicial magistrates for summary trial of illegal foreigners.

The committee was told there may be a need to amend Section 260 and Section 14 of the RPC regarding summary trial for deportation of foreigners. A letter must be written to the Lahore High Court to appoint special judicial magistrates for the trial of foreigners, the committee was told.

Sources said there was also a discussion on amendment to Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The federal government will soon issue a notification for the trial of foreigners giving powers to the provinces for the speedy trial.

The standing committee also approved an operational plan for the eviction of illegal foreign nationals.

The meeting of the Standing Committee was chaired by the chairman of the committee, Provincial Education Minister Mansoor Qadir. Information Minister Amir Mir, Health Minister Dr Javed Akram, Minister of Housing Azfar Ali Nasir, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Additional IG CTD, Additional IG Special Branch, Secretary I&C, Joint DG IB and representative of ISI attended the meeting.