Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired another high-level meeting on law and order – the seventh consecutive meeting – in which a comprehensive action plan was finalized to make Punjab a province of peace, tolerance and security.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed for immediate implementation of the Loudspeaker Act and said that misuse of sound systems to spread hatred or create unrest will not be tolerated. Provincial authorities will monitor the implementation through CCTV cameras and smart technology.
According to the government, religious parties can continue their legal activities freely under the code of conduct, however, elements inciting extremism or communal hatred will have to face legal consequences.
The chief minister also reviewed the development projects of mosques across Punjab. The provincial government has started digital mapping of mosques to distribute stipends to over 65,000 imams, ensure cleanliness, improve drainage system and provide missing facilities.
The Punjab government reiterated that Friday sermons and daily call to prayer are exempt from any restrictions under the Loudspeaker Act.
In a separate move, the administration has activated special cyber units to monitor hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms, confirming that action will be taken against violators under the PECA Act.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction over the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons by citizens and said that those hiding weapons without a license will be dealt with strictly.
The provincial government has also announced strict punishments for those who help foreigners residing illegally in Punjab.
