29 February 2004	Sunday	08 Muharram 1425

LAHORE, Feb 28: Putting law-enforcement agencies on high alert, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Saturday directed the ministers to coordinate peace efforts in every district during Muharram.

He was presiding over a meeting regarding peace during Muharram here at the Chief Minister's House. Chief Secretary Kamran Rasool, the home secretary, the IGP and heads of other law-enforcement agencies attended the meeting.

The ministers would coordinate with the district governments and organize meetings with the law-enforcement agencies and religious leaders belonging to all schools of thought to ensure peace particularly on Ashura.

The chief minister directed the law-enforcement agencies to be on high alert and adopt all measures to avert any untoward incident. Every Imambargah should be properly guarded and the main Zuljinah processions escorted without fail, he directed the heads of the law-enforcement agencies.

Doing away with the past practice of arresting trouble-making ulema, the Punjab government has this year given them only a warning against spreading sectarianism.

The chief minister said protection of life and property would be ensured at all costs during Muharram. Those found disrupting law and order would be dealt with sternly.

He said ulema belonging to all schools of thought were cooperating with the government in maintaining peace during the month. He hoped that they would follow the guidelines determined at a recent meeting of Ittehad Bainul Muslemeen Committee.

He appealed to the people to show tolerance during Muharram, keep an eye on mischief-mongers and fully cooperate with government agencies.