Kakar orders action against dealers supplying drugs in capital educational institutes

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday ordered the police authorities to take strict action against the drug dealers supplying drugs and narcotics in and around the educational institutions in the federal capital.

Chairing a meeting regarding issues related to Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) here, he said protection of life and property of the citizens was the primary responsibility of the state.

The meeting discussed in detail the ICT’s administrative issues, law and order situation and anti-narcotics’ issues. He also directed the concerned authorities to take special measures for the protection of schools besides taking necessary steps on priority basis for the establishment of Dolphin Force in Islamabad.

The meeting was briefed in detail about illegal encroachments, the development projects under Capital Development Authority, performance of the ICT Police and other issues.

Kakar also directed to launch an indiscriminate operation against illegal occupation and encroachments on the land in the federal capital, including Margalla National Park. He advised to take immediate measures to end parking and traffic issues in the federal capital being caused by car showrooms, established in different parts of the capital city.

He instructed to formulate a comprehensive plan to set up a Car City for sales and purchase of motor vehicles in Islamabad. He said an effective strategy should be evolved to reduce traffic pressure.

The meeting was informed that 160 more buses are due for Islamabad’s public transport system, which will further improve the public transport in the capital city.

The interim PM said a central digital system should be established for the registration of vehicles in Islamabad and other cities of the country. He said fitness certificate to old vehicles should be issued as per international standards of climate change. He said that issuance of driving licenses should be made transparent and effective throughout the country.

Separately, chairing a meeting to review the visa facilities being provided to the Sikh Yatrees by the government of Pakistan, the interim PM said the Sikh pilgrims coming to the country to visit their holy places were the guests in Pakistan.

He directed the authorities concerned to extend maximum facilities to the Sikh Yatrees intending to attend their religious festivals in Pakistan.

He was briefed on the Sikh festivals being held throughout the year, and the facilities for issuance of visas provided to the pilgrims.

He said the Sikh Yatrees coming to Pakistan via Kartarpur Corridor must be provided with the facilities of international standards.

The Interior Ministry briefed the meeting on the visa facilities for Sikhs, time duration required for visa issuance, administrative affairs of Kartarpur Corridor and annual festivals of Sikhs.

Meanwhile, Sindh caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir called on the caretaker prime minister and discussed the ongoing action against smuggling and power theft in the province.

In the meeting, they deliberated over the administrative matters as well as the law and order situation in Sindh.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) signed an MoU with Pakistan to support the Universal Health Coverage Programme. The caretaker PM was also present on the occasion.

Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala, the WHO country director, and Dr Baseer Achakzai, Director General Health, signed the MoU on behalf of two sides.

Under the MoU, the WHO has extended support for provision of equipment, ambulances and refurbishment of healthcare facilities, including primary and secondary healthcare centers and mobile unit.

The project will reach more than 90 percent of primary healthcare services. On the occasion, Dr Baseer said that the WHO has been providing ambulances and other facilities at 450 health centers in far-flung rural areas. The interim PM was also handed over keys of ambulances and mobile units on the occasion.