LAHORE: The Punjab government has agreed upon amending the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) for giving magisterial powers to authorised officers for getting its directions implemented in the province.

A meeting of the provincial cabinet held here on Tuesday with Chief Minister Usman Buzdar in the chair gave approval to the plan, besides discussing the strategy for tackling ‘Azadi March’ fro which a call has been given by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The meeting gave approval to the proposed amendments to be introduced in the CrPC which would enable the government to grant magisterial powers to authorised officers for implementing its directions.

It also approved the proposals to amend the police rules with regard to recruitment of inspector legal (special cadre) in BS-16 in Punjab police. It decided to link amendments in the Punjab Police (Ministerial Posts) Rules, 2017 with the permission of the law department. Law minister Raja Basharat will submit a report in the next meeting in this regard.

The cabinet also agreed on amending the Punjab E-Stamp Rules, 2016 to facilitate online payments.

The mechanism for appointment of vice chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Multan, the constitution of the search committee and guidelines were also approved, along with the confirmation of minutes of 18th provincial cabinet meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Buzdar made it clear that nobody would be allowed to disrupt the routine life of the people and warned of indiscriminate action against “law-breakers and the elements disrupting law & order”.

“The law will take its course against the elements taking the law into their hands.”

He reiterated that protection of life and property of the people and maintenance of law and order was the responsibility of the state which would be fulfilled at all costs.

At another meeting, the chief minister reviewed performance of Auqaf department and the renovation work at the historic Badshahi Mosque. He ordered constitution of a committee to prepare a report on the renovation work.

The meeting decided to launch an anti-encroachment operation to get vacated Aquaf lands and properties occupied illegally.

Meanwhile, Federal Law Minister Farogh Nasim called on the chief minister and discussed matters of mutual interest, including steps aimed at welfare of the lawyers’ community.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2019