GUJRAT: The district administration has declared 58 restaurants, fruit and vegetable markets, banquet halls, shopping plazas, petrol stations, hotels and electronics centers the most sensitive spots as per the recommendations of law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

These installations have been included in category ‘A’ of the Security and Vulnerable Establishment’s Act and owners and management of these places are directed to take necessary measures in the wake of the security situation in the country.

The decision was taken in a meeting of the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) with acting Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali in the chair here on Friday. Senior officials of police and intelligence were also present.

Most of these spots are located in the precincts of Lalamusa and Rehmania police stations of Gujrat and Kharian tehsils.

The SHO concerned will be responsible for monitoring security arrangements made by managements of these sensitive spots. In case of failure, these business concerns will be sealed under section 11 of the security and vulnerable act.

CANCELLED: The district administration has cancelled the permission granted to the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GTCCI) for holding an annual industrial exhibition at Shahbaz Sharif Park in the wake of deteriorating security situation in the country.

According to a notification issued by the deputy commissioner, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the district administration for the industrial exhibition stands cancelled.

According to the schedule, the GTCCI had announced organizing the exhibition at the park along the bank of the River Chenab from March 1 to 6.

The chamber has been holding the annual industrial exhibition for the last seven years at the Zahoor Elahi Stadium in Gujrat.

An official of the GTCCI said the chamber’s body was still insisting on holding the event as per schedule saying the event had earlier been organized successfully under similar situation.

He said Municipal Corporation mayor Haji Nasir Mehmood, who also heads the ruling Shaheen Group of the GTCCI, had assured the organizers that he would persuade the administration and LEAs to allow the event as per schedule.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2017