July 7th, 2010  - by Najam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to make foolproof security arrangements at shrines and worship places and submit a comprehensive plan within seven days in this regard.  He said that the incident of terrorism at Data Darbar is an eye opener and in future, any such negligence and carelessness would not be tolerated. The Chief Minister said that protection of life and property of people should be the top priority and all-out efforts should be made in this regard.
He was presiding over a meeting regarding security arrangements at Data Darbar here Wednesday. Provincial Auqaf Minister Ehsanuddin Qureshi, IGP, Commandant Punjab Constabulary, Additional IG CID & Special Branch, Additional Home Secretary, SSP Investigation Lahore and Administrator Data Darbar were also present.  The Chief Minister said had effective security arrangements been made at Data Darbar, such tragic incident would not have happened. He said that the tragic incident is a question mark on the performance of police and agencies adding it has shocked the whole country and Muslims living in all parts of the world.
He said that the Punjab government has provided resources worth billion of rupees to police, raised their salaries and taken effective steps for their capacity building. He said that South Asia’s best forensic lab is being set up at a cost of Rs 1.5 billion which will help in investigation and uncovering crimes and it will be completed during next three months.  Shahbaz Sharif said that provision of all these facilities to police are aimed at protecting the life and property of citizens and ensuring law and order situation. He said that police, instead of purchasing new cars, should focus on protecting the life and property of citizens and utilize all their capabilities and available resources for this purpose.
The CM  said nothing is more important than maintenance of law and order and police will have to be more vigilant. He said that police and agencies should be alert to deal with any situation and maintain close contacts with each other. He said that training and briefing should be arranged for volunteers deputed at shrines including Data Darbar and policemen in plainclothes should also be deployed.
He said that arrangements should be made to ensure distribution of charity food (Langar) like before and no complaint would be  tolerated in this regard. He directed Administrator Data Darbar to ensure provision of all necessary facilities to the devotees.  IGP Tariq Saleem gave a detailed briefing regarding security arrangements at Data Darbar and other shrines and worship places of the province.

Source: News Agencies