LAHORE, Oct 5: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi directed police on Wednesday to immediately arrest those carrying weapons inside polling stations and send them to jail for three months.

He was presiding over a meeting on the local elections and review the arrangements made to ensure law and order.

The meeting was attended among others by Chief Secretary Salman Siddique, IGP Ziaul Hasan Khan and Local Government Secretary Naguibullah Malik.

The chief minister ordered that foolproof arrangements should be made to ensure the conduct of the local elections in a peaceful and transparent manner. The related directions by the chief election commissioner should also be effectively followed, he added.

He said protection of the polling staff would be ensured and stern action taken against those found intimidating voters.

He said heavy contingents of police had been detailed at the polling stations all over the province. Patrolling, too, had been arranged.

Pervaiz Elahi said all administrative machinery should cooperate with regard to the arrangements made for ensuring peaceful elections.

He directed the IGP to start a special campaign against illicit weapons. “Immediately start arresting those possessing such weapons and proceed against them under the law.” He also sought stern action against those involved in exhibiting weapons at public places without caring for the people.

MEETS CHIEF SECRETARY: The newly-appointed chief secretary, Salman Siddique, held a one-on-one meeting with the chief minister and discussed important matters.