LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday ordered extensive combing operations and intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against illegal Afghan nationals across the province while directing senior civil and police officials to intensify efforts to prevent sectarian violence and strengthen security for Chinese nationals associated with development projects.
The directives were issued after a high-level provincial apex committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on March 4. The meeting was attended by the Lahore corps commander along with senior military and civilian officials who reviewed the overall law and order situation and security challenges facing the province.
Official sources told The News that the meeting emphasised the need for strong administrative oversight at the divisional and district levels, with divisional commissioners and regional police officers (RPOs) asked to take the lead in implementing the decisions.
The meeting also focused on maintaining sectarian harmony across the province. Sources said divisional commissioners and RPOs had been directed to deepen engagement with the leadership of the Ahl-i-Tashih community and maintain close contact with community representatives to ensure that no sectarian violence occurs.
Officials were asked to proactively manage sensitive situations and strengthen dialogue with religious leaders to defuse tensions before they escalate. Security arrangements for Chinese nationals working in Punjab were also discussed during the meeting.
