ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday said the PTI government would complete its constitutional tenure.

Opposition parties cannot dislodge the government as it is making hectic efforts to alleviate poverty in the country.

Addressing a Police Eagle Squad ceremony, the minister directed the inspector general of police (IGP) Islamabad to make the capital territory a drug-free area and launch a crackdown against dealers involved in the drug business.

The minister directed the officers of the police to take strict action against criminals.

He said new police stations would also be established in different areas of the capital territory as the city had expanded towards Tarnol, Bhara Kahu and Loi Bher.

“We are going to issue e-passport to facilitate the citizens. Visa facility for foreigners has been provided online. The government has extended the visa period for Chinese citizens from 90 days to two years. Urgent passport is being issued in one day on an additional payment of Rs2,000.”

He said the administration had been directed to set a special bazaar for women which should also have retail shops of traditional items from the four provinces.

“We would take strict action in accordance with the law against land mafia. Cases of illegal housing societies, which looted the citizens, are being sent to FIA,” he added.

To a question, he said the government had allocated Rs55 billion for the Leh Nullah project.

A mother and child hospital is being completed while new schools and colleges have been established in Rawalpindi, he added.

Later, inspecting the flag march of the newly-established Eagle Squad, he said the squad was equipped with latest technology and its core focus would be to ensure safety and security of the capital city.

Street crime in Islamabad would be curbed through the Eagle Squad, he added.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2021