LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities concerned to strictly implement security SOPs in order to ensure fool-proof security on ninth of Zilhaj night (the night before Eid day) and on Eidul Azha days.
She ordered for patrols and deployment of lady police officers in markets on Zilhaj 9 night, besides ensuring real-time monitoring via Safe City cameras for security operations.
She directed assistant commissioners to coordinate with religious scholars, and to install metal detectors and walk-through gates for security of Eid congregations. She said that religious scholars will be briefed by the relevant authorities on security and cleanliness arrangements for Eidul Azha.
The CM ordered for a strict ban on camps set up by proscribed organisations for collecting sacrificial animal hides and directed district police officers (DPOs) to personally visit sites to enforce the ban in this regard. She also ordered to ensure a ban on hateful content on social media and other media platforms besides taking action against motorcyclists engaged in wheelie-doing and hooliganism on Eidul Azha days. Home Secretary Ahmed Javed Qazi, briefing the CM on security arrangements, said Eid prayers congregations would be held at 38,507 locations across the province. He said that under Section 144, a ban had been imposed on cooking ‘Siri Paye’ (trotters) at public places. He warned that action would be taken against those who throw animal remains in drains and at public places, while a ban on aerial firing and display of weapons on Eidul Azha would be ensured at all costs.
Separately, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz said the primary objective of observing the International Day of Pakistan’s national animal, ‘Markhor’ was to protect the species and its natural habitat from extinction.
In her message issued on the day, she said climate and environmental changes posed the biggest threat to the survival of Markhor. The chief minister said Markhor symbolised Pakistan’s rich natural heritage and represented the collective commitment to preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. She stressed that collective efforts and renewed resolve were needed to ensure the protection of Markhor. The CM further said the Markhor was a valuable species playing an important role in promoting the local economy.
Also, Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in a bomb blast in Quetta. She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of injured.
