DCs asked to complete election measures

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman Wednesday directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to timely complete all relevant arrangements for the general elections as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The CS issued the directive while presiding over a meeting held to review the preparations for general elections at the Civil Secretariat. The CS ordered the DCs to prepare a comprehensive plan for the staff deployment, provision of missing facilities at polling stations, transportation and security.

The additional chief secretary (Home), administrative secretaries of local government, education and relevant departments and Election Commission officials attended the meeting while all the divisional commissioners and DCs attended the meeting through video link.

The CS directed the implementation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission. He mentioned that the secretary of the local government department is being nominated as focal person for polls’ arrangements, adding that all departments must extend full cooperation to the ECP.

Later, the CS reviewed the measures being taken to prevent smog and profiteering of fertilizers in the province. He issued instructions to start a crackdown on the fertiliser dealers involved in profiteering and hoarding. He asked the DCs to ensure the availability of fertilisers at the notified prices, adding that sale at higher than the fixed price would not be tolerated.

He said there is no shortage of fertiliser in the province, and asked the officers to keep a close check on fertiliser stock on the online portal.