Naqvi reviews law, order in Punjab

LAHORE: An important meeting convened on Friday at the Chief Minister’s Office, presided over by caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, where overall law and order situation in the province was discussed.

The Inspector General of Police delivered a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing operation targeting illegal aliens.Responding to the chief minister’s explicit directives, the crackdown on illegally staying foreigners in Punjab has been intensified, leading to the repatriation of 15,533 individuals thus far. The chief minister, adamant about an effective crackdown on those harbouring the illegal foreigners, stressed unequivocally that no exemptions would be granted to facilitators of illegally resident aliens.

Expressing displeasure over the non-arrest of certain miscreants implicated in the May 9 incidents, the chief minister issued a resolute directive to expedite the apprehension of fugitive suspects connected to those events. He underscored the imperative to ensure the safety and security of the province’s residents, directing all necessary measures.

The meeting witnessed the participation of chief secretary, advocate general, inspector general of police, additional chief secretary, additional IG special branch, secretary public prosecution, secretary law, CCPO, Commissioner Lahore Division, Additional IG CTD, DIG Investigation, and other high-ranking officials. Additionally, Commissioners and RPOs attended the session through a video link.

The caretaker chief minister has issued a directive to initiate a crackdown on underage drivers operating vehicles and motorcycles without a licence throughout the province.Emphasising the need for swift action, Mohsin Naqvi instructed that measures be taken against underage drivers who are found driving without a proper licence.

The Inspector General of Police, CCPO Lahore, and all RPOs have been given explicit instructions by the chief minister to enforce this crackdown. He specified that vehicles and motorcycles operated by underage drivers should be intercepted, with a daily report of actions taken to be submitted from all regions, including Lahore.

The chief minister underscored the inherent dangers posed by young drivers not only to themselves but also to others on the road. He appealed to parents, urging them not to allow young children to operate vehicles or motorcycles. In emphasising the value of every life, Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the potential fatal consequences that could arise from even a small mistake made by a young driver.

The caretaker chief minister conducted a thorough inspection of the construction work on the side roads surrounding the Bedian Road underpass early in the morning.The commissioner Lahore/ DG LDA and the contractor briefed about the construction activity.

He directed the completion of the task within 10 days and emphasised the importance of tree plantation and landscaping along the greenbelts.

Mohsin Naqvi pointed out that the initial timeline for completing the underpass was set at six months. However, through relentless and round-the-clock efforts, the project was completed in an impressive 70 days. Notably, this underpass stands as a groundbreaking accomplishment in Pakistan, being the first of its kind completed in such a record time. The chief minister highlighted that the underpass serves as a vital convenience for the daily traffic of 120,000 vehicles.Provincial Ministers Amir Mir, Bilal Afzal, Ibrahim Murad, IG police, CCPO, DC, DG PHA, chief engineer LDA and others were also present.