No illegal use of loudspeakers, display of weapons, warns Punjab CM

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warned on Sunday that no one would be allowed to take the law into his hands during the Eidul Azha holidays and strict action would be taken over illegal use of loudspeakers and display of arms in the province.

While chairing a special meeting called to review administrative and security arrangements for Eidul Azha, she directed the authorities concerned to further activate provincial, divisional, district and tehsil level control rooms. She ordered to impose Section 144 to enforce a ban on throwing animal waste in canals and drains, and illegal business of roasting ‘Siri Paey’ during the Eid days.

The CM was briefed that the municipal corporation staff would go door to door in Lahore and other cities and collect sacrificial animals waste, packed in biodegradable bags. She was informed that Lahore city streets would be washed, limed and sprayed with insecticides after slaughter of sacrificial animals.

The meeting was informed that animal sale points had been established at 294 places in Punjab. The CM was told that drains and manholes would be protected from being littered throughout Punjab. She was presented a report on security arrangements at 2,600 mosques and 900 Eidgahs in the province.

Maryam ordered for ensuring implementation of security standard operating procedures (SOPs), and said, “Wherever there is fear of any untoward incident, increase security there to ensure protection of people’s lives and property.”

The CM ordered to install mist fans and pedestal fans at Eidgahs to save people from heat during Eid prayers. “Install cameras for surveillance and walkthrough gates for checking.” She also ordered for inspecting swings and slides for children in parks. She said fool-proof arrangements should be made for security of cattle markets, bazaars and markets and cattle sale points should be cleaned and sprayed, and sheds and clean drinking water facilities should be provided there.

Separately, in her message on the International Father’s Day, she said: “Today is a day to recognise invaluable role of fathers in raising and guiding children. We should acknowledge silent sacrifices of every father that are often overlooked. Also acknowledge the sacrifices of a father to ensure better future of his children.” She said: “I dedicate all my success to my father Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who is my inspiration in every difficulty.” She added, “He keeps me dearer than his soul… this is true, my father is no less (kind) than my mother.”

Meanwhile, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of four people by drowning in a sewer in a village near Vehari. She offered condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and sought a report on the matter.

The CM also took notice of a fire incident at Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi and sought a report from divisional commissioner. She directed the commissioner to supervise rescue activities. She also ordered for ensuring safety of patients and hospital property.

Separately, a majority of Punjab’s population expressed satisfaction with the performance of Punjab government, led by CM Maryam Nawaz, according to findings of a survey, conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) on Sunday. It was observed that the dissatisfaction level was higher in rural areas, 42 per cent compared to urban areas with 28 per cent, as per the survey.

The IPOR conducted a quantitative survey in Punjab targeting the adult population of aged 18 and above to gather public opinion on the 100-day performance of CM Maryam Nawaz. Out of 35pc, who were not satisfied at all with the last three-month performance of the CM, 51pc of respondents believe that the government would never be able to improve the situation, regardless of the time period. And 19pc of respondents are willing to give the government as much time as needed to improve the situation.

The survey further revealed that 60pc of respondents believe CM Maryam’s popularity had increased over the last three months, while 53pc of respondents believe the government’s steps have been effective in reducing prices of various commodities.

A decrease in the price of roti (bread) is the most favoured project, with 44pc of respondents considering it the best initiative. Following this project are the solar panel programme (11pc) and the 200 clinic-on-wheels initiative (11pc).

The findings concluded that CM Maryam’s leadership in Punjab is highly regarded, with strong public approval of her performance and initiatives. “While there is significant support for her efforts in reducing commodity prices and specific projects like the bread price reduction, as compared to other initiatives. However, her approval ratings in rural areas (48pc) are not as good as in urban areas (62pc),” it added.