RAWALPINDI, Nov 22: The provincial government will shortly introduce new number plates for vehicles registered in the Punjab, Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said here on Saturday.

He was talking to District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiani who had called on him at his residence.

The chief minister said the number plates would be having a chip which would carry complete data about the vehicle and its owner. This measure is being taken to check vehicle theft and other related crimes.

Speaking about police posts being established on major highways in the province, the chief minister said these posts would be equipped with the most modern paraphernalia, including global positioning system.

Ten checkposts will be established in Rawalpindi district for checking growing incidents of robbery. Funds for setting up of these posts are being provided by the provincial government.

Mr Elahi said the provincial government had ordered the police to intensify campaign against illicit weapons. He promised to provide more funds to the district government for mega- projects.

The chief minister reviewed the progress on the ongoing development projects and directed the Nazim to ensure their timely completion so that people could fully benefit from them. He urged the Nazim to monitor the quality of work also.

Mr Kiani informed Mr Elahi about the law and order situation in the district. He apprised him about the steps being taken by the district government to curb extremism and lawlessness particularly the restrictions on printing presses, drive against use of tinted glasses and green coloured number plates in private vehicles.

Meanwhile, Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz called on the district Nazim at his secretariat and discussed with him major projects being undertaken by the district government.

Mr Kiani sought his assistance for the ring road project.