PESHAWAR, Nov 4: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah told district police officers on Sunday to seek directions from district Nazims in connection with maintenance of law and order.

“ Despite being directly accountable to the Nazim for the maintenance of law and order, the district police officer has a prominent role to play in controlling the situation at district level,” he said, while speaking at a meeting of district police officers here.

The governor said the freedom of speech, guaranteed by the present government, was unprecedented, and added that the government would welcome constructive criticism. However, he said the government would not remain a silent spectator if attempts were made to disrupt peace. He directed the police officers to take action against all those who might violate law.

“The government is not against any religio-political party. We have to determine that its approach and way of thinking is within the confines of law,” he said. The government was prepared to let the parties hold peaceful public meetings at suitable places, he added.

The governor, however, said that the government would not allow staging of rallies.