PA Speaker inaugurates anti-polio drive, calligraphy exhibition

LAHORE:Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Monday inaugurated the first-ever exhibition of Islamic calligraphy artworks at the Punjab Assembly.

The exhibition showcases masterpieces by renowned calligrapher Wasal Shahid, featuring Quranic verses, Asma-ul-Husna (Beautiful Names of Allah), and the Blessed Names of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

A total of 126 artworks—crafted on gold leaf, canvas, and paper—are on display. On this occasion, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan remarked that the calligraphy of the Blessed Names of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Thuluth Script makes this exhibition particularly unique.

He praised Wasal Shahid's art as a profound expression of his devotion to Islam. The speaker also emphasised that Pakistani artists are globally recognised for their excellence in Islamic calligraphy. The exhibition will remain open till October 30.

Later, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan launched polio vaccination campaign at the Punjab Assembly by administering polio drops to children. Speaking to the media, he noted that the campaign in Punjab is being carried out under the personal supervision and leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He explained that Punjab faces challenges due to high-risk mobile populations entering from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Afghanistan. Reaffirming the government's commitment to eradicating polio, the speaker said, "The Punjab government is committed to eliminating the polio virus."

He urged all assembly members to oversee and support the campaign in their constituencies as directed by the CM. Additionally, he appealed to parents to cooperate with polio workers to ensure the campaign’s success.

Secretary General Chaudhry Amer Habib, Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir, Member Assembly Uzma Kardar, Rana Arshad, and Staff Officer Amad Hussain Bhalli were also present on the occasion.

To ensure the safety of health workers, police have implemented a comprehensive security plan, with divisional supervisory officers actively overseeing field operations. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran stated that, under the security plan, 1,976 personnel have been deployed for duty during the campaign. There are 496 motorcycle teams and patrol vehicles from 84 police stations and checkpoints on duty.

Beat officers are also present to assist health workers and effectively respond to any potential incidents. Faisal Kamran appealed to the public to fully cooperate with the anti-polio teams, emphasising that eradicating polio and securing the future of children is a shared responsibility.

Meanwhile, CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana has announced that the police force is fully mobilised to support the vaccination teams. A comprehensive security plan has been established, which includes the deployment of 498 motorcycle squads and 83 mobile patrol units to safeguard the polio teams during the five-day initiative.

In addition to these resources, 381 upper subordinates and over 1,000 police personnel have been assigned to protect the vaccination teams. The police department has also designated divisional focal persons to oversee security operations for the anti-polio efforts.

The CCPO emphasised that security will remain on high alert throughout the duration of the campaign. He added that security for the vaccination teams will also be ensured through surveillance from the Safe City Authority's cameras.

Special arrangements have been made at city entry points and transit locations to protect the polio teams administering vaccines. CCPO has instructed supervisory officers to personally monitor security measures in their respective areas and ensure effective patrolling by the Dolphin Squad and Police Response Units. He reiterated that the Lahore police are committed to utilising all available resources to secure a safe future for children.