RECODER REPORT

LAHORE: Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi has said that they will discharge their duty to hold peaceful and transparent elections at any cost.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting to review the law and order situation in Punjab here on Saturday. He was briefed about the measures taken for the maintaining of law and order.

Addressing the meeting, he said that all-out measures should be taken to hold elections in a peaceful environment. He further said that the interim government will utilize all its resources and energies for the holding of transparent elections. “Political activities will increase after Eid and responsibilities of police and law enforcement agencies will also increase. A close coordination should be made will all political parties for the security of political leaders,” he added. He said that all efforts should be made to maintain law and order during Chand Raat and Eid holidays.

On the occasion, measures to maintain law and order during Eid holidays were also discussed. The report on the torture of journalist Asad Kharal was also presented to the Chief Minister.

The Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary Home, IGP, and senior officers of civil and military institutions attended the meeting. Askari also presided over a meeting to review budget matters.

Addressing the meeting, he said that transparency should be ensured in financial affairs, undeveloped expenditures should be reduced and the revenue should be increased. He also said that projects of public welfare and development should be given top priority.

On the occasion, he was given a briefing on the budget for the new financial year and other financial matters. Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed, Planning and Development Chairman Jehanzeb Khan, Secretary Finance Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh, Secretary to CM Imdadullah Bosal, Special Secretary Finance Sardar Saifullah Dogar, Zaid Bin Masood and other officials were present in the meeting.