LAHORE, May 3: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has ordered a probe into a cylinders’ blast at Allama Iqbal Town’s Sabzi Mandi. Talking to press at the site of the blast, the chief minister said an exemplary punishment would be given to all those found responsible for the blast. Provincial ministers Aslam Iqbal and Abdul Aleem Khan besides District Nazim Mian Amer were also present on the occasion.

The CM announced a compensation of Rs150,000 for the heirs of each deceased and Rs50,000 for each injured.

He directed district coordination officers and nazims to take a strict action against the people involved in illegal business of filling gas cylinders and preparation and storage of fireworks in residential areas. He said a report in this regard should be submitted to the Punjab government.

Accompanied by Health Minister Tahir Ali Javed, the chief minister inquired after the injured at the Jinnah Hospital, and directed the health officers to provide free treatment facilities to them.

Later, presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, he directed Law Minister Basharat Raja to ensure implementation of the orders regarding action against the people involved in illegal business in the residential areas.

HOME SECRETARY: “Dealing in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and selling petrol in drums in densely-populated areas is illegal, which should be banned and those playing with the lives of people should be brought to the court of law,” Home Secretary Hasan Waseem Afzal told APP.

He said the situation had become more alarming as a number of petrol sellers were springing up in lanes, roadside and other residential areas. “This is also illegal, there should be no dealer selling petrol in drums in the residential areas,” he said.

He said the Punjab government had ordered a probe into the incident, the report of which would be submitted within 48 hours. A necessary action would be taken against illegal LPG dealers and those selling petrol in the residential areas, he said.