Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif about the law and order situation in the country when the two met on Sunday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The statement added that Prime Minister Shehbaz was also briefed about the ongoing development projects in Islamabad.
Today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and the Home Minister comes a week after they met ahead of a police operation to dismantle the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest camp in Muridke.
The TLP planned to march to Islamabad and hold a rally in front of the US embassy there in “solidarity with Gaza.”
Naqvi had also briefed Chief Minister Shehbaz about the overall law and order situation across the country during last week’s meeting and told him that the Home Ministry was taking steps to strengthen internal security.
For his part, the prime minister appreciated the efforts of the Minister of the Interior and his team, pointing out that coordinated and effective actions must continue to guarantee the protection of the lives and property of citizens.
Reaffirming his government’s resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz said safeguarding the lives and properties of the people, upholding the rule of law and eradicating terrorism remained the government’s top priorities.
Punjab police on high alert during Christian services
In a statement, Punjab police said they remained on high alert and were providing security duties at churches across the province during Christian worship and prayer services.
On the orders of Punjab Inspector General of Police (IG) Dr Usman Anwar, regional and district police officers have been directed to enhance security at churches.
“He (Punjab IG) said supervising officers should personally inspect the security arrangements of churches and other important places,” the statement read.
“Additional police personnel and snipers should be deployed to sensitive churches while Dolphin Squad, PRU (Police Response Unit) and Elite Force teams should ensure effective patrolling around churches.”
According to the statement, all deployed police officers and personnel were instructed to remain alert and closely monitor any “suspicious or malicious elements.” He added that search and sweep operations should continue around churches, Christian communities and sensitive places.
“Dr Usman Anwar said that religious scholars, Christian community and members of peace committees should play an active role in promoting inter-religious harmony,” the statement read.
“He also added that [the] “Punjab Police has established Mesaaq centers to address the problems of the Christian community and all other minorities so that their problems can be resolved on a priority basis.”
