–Directs to make Punjab police free from political interference
LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday emphasised the need for evolving comprehensive and effective strategies to ensure protection of labourers’ rights and industrial development, as well as capacity building of the agriculture sector and creation of a value-added chain of products.
Addressing an inaugural ceremony regarding initiation of a new Labour Inspection Regime (LIR) in Punjab, the premier said that protection of labourers’ rights should be ensured in the new regime and there should be no compromise in this regard.
Stressing the need for taking steps to prevent persecution of the labour class and to promote the ease of doing business, he said that in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, protection of the country’s labour and promotion of small and medium industries has become imperative.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran chaired a meeting that reviewed various matters related to the agriculture value-added chains and plans for increasing the agricultural production in Punjab.
PM Imran directed the Punjab Agriculture Department (PAD) to develop a comprehensive plan for capacity building of the agriculture sector. He stressed the full support of the federal government in bringing reforms in the agriculture sector of the province.
Prime Minister Imran also directed the meeting to pay attention towards value addition to agricultural products. He said that progress of the agriculture sector and its transformation on modern lines is the top most priority of the government.
He directed the meeting attendees to address the issues pertaining to food security in the province. He also instructed the Punjab government to take measures to increase agriculture production and its standard.
The premier said that the country’s progress is linked with the growers’ prosperity, adding that 60 per cent of the population was associated with the agriculture sector. He asked the concerned authorities to focus on value-addition in the agriculture sector.
In another meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Imran ordered to make the Punjab Police free from any political interference by implementing a meritocracy. He directed to devise a comprehensive strategy to introduce reforms in Punjab Police.
The premier advised the police to utilise the latest technological innovations and all available resources to combat crime and ensure the protection of the lives and properties of Pakistan’s citizens. He reiterated this sentiment especially to the inspector general of police (IGP).
He regretted that political appointments were made in the police force during previous tenures, which impacted performance of the department. He said that no one is above the law and asked the police personnel not to succumb to any political influence or pressure.
He directed them to resolve public issues on merit. Strict action should be taken against those police personnel who create hurdles in the provision of justice to the masses, he said. The people will be satisfied only when they are treated equally and according to the law, the prime minister added.
Prime Minister Imran called for postings and transfers on the basis of merit only to ensure the proper dispensation of justice. He directed the police forces to actively nab the bigger criminal players, but to give a warning to minor offenders, asking them to refrain from indulging in such activities.
IGP Inam Ghani briefed the Prime Minister about the progress on reforms related to Punjab Police. He informed the premier that proposals on financial autonomy of police stations and mechanism on reconciliatory council has been presented to the Punjab chief minister.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed CM Usman Buzdar to expedite the efforts to provide relief to the masses.
Upon arrival in Lahore on a day-long visit, CM Buzdar called on PM Imran. The meeting discussed various matters related to development projects and the overall situation of the province. Buzdar briefed the premier about the law and order situation of the province and development projects being carried out by the provincial government.
Apart from briefing PM Imran about preparations for upcoming Senate elections, Buzdar also briefed him about the performance of the provincial cabinet. On the occasion, the premier directed the Punjab CM to gear-up efforts to provide speedy relief to the masses.
