August 31, 2007	Friday	Sha’aban 17, 1428

LAHORE, Aug 30: The Punjab government is believed to have told all officials concerned and cabinet ministers to ensure availability in view of the prevailing political situation in the country, especially if Nawaz Sharif returns to the country on Sept 10 as per his announced plan.

Sources said on Thursday the government had conveyed to all the officials concerned, including those of police, not to avail any leave and remain present on duty to meet any ‘eventuality’.

They said all cabinet ministers had also been conveyed the same message and called to Lahore to ensure their presence in the hour of need. The sources said the officials on important posts in the provincial government had been given special instructions to keep attending their respective offices. The district government high-ups too had been asked to follow the instructions.

They said the government was cautiously assessing its course of action in response to the Sharifs plan to return to the country.

The sources claimed that the Sharifs would be allowed to reach Lahore as per their schedule if they managed to draw crowds upon their arrival in Islamabad. But the government would not allow anybody to disturb law and order as “it wanted peace before elections”.

The government intended to tactfully handle the situation so as to avoid any criticism from public or action from the higher judiciary, they claimed. —Intikhab Hanif