RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Durrani on Tuesday ordered the divisional commissioner and deputy commissioner to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Independence Day.

While reviewing arrangements regarding Independence Day celebrations here on Tuesday at civil secretariat, the chief secretary said the security plan must be implemented in letter and spirit. He said all departments, keeping close liaison, should organise programmes jointly in order to celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner. He directed the deputy commissioner to ensure participation of people from all walks of life especially minorities, transgender and special persons.

He added philanthropists should be encouraged to organise Independence Day ceremonies at hospitals, jails and old age homes. He directed the officer to start day of 14 August with Quran Khwani and prayers in Mosques for progress and solidarity of the country. He also issued instructions regarding making massive tree plantation a part of Independence Day celebration besides ensuring arrangements for smooth flow of traffic around historic and recreational places.

Additional Chief Secretary Home Capt Nasim Nawaz (retd) told the meeting that necessary directions about security measures have been issued to districts. The meeting was briefed that ceremonies would be organised at provincial, divisional, district and Tehsil level to celebrate Independence Day with national zeal and zest. In Lahore, main ceremony of flag hoisting would be held at Hazori Bagh.

Speech and essay competitions, seminars, symposiums, sports activities, national songs contests and other events would be arranged in schools, colleges, universities at union council, Tehsil, district, division and provincial level.