LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday decided to allow only indoor Independence Day functions by public and private institutions citing security concerns, asking all field officers to guard against any untoward incident on the occasion.

The government is also strictly disallowing [motorcycle] one wheelie on the day, which has been claiming lives over the past years.

The decision to disallow open functions was taken at a video link meeting of all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners that was presided over by Chief Secretary Akbar Durrani.

He asked the officials to ensure foolproof security on the eve of Independence Day.

He said all departments should jointly organise programmes in order to celebrate the day in a befitting manner. He directed the DCs to ensure participation of people from all walks of life especially minorities, transgender and special persons. Philanthropists should be encouraged for organising Independence Day ceremonies at hospitals, jails, old age homes.

The day should start with recitation from the holy Quran and prayers for the progress and solidarity of the country in mosques. Tree plantation should be a part of the celebrations besides ensuring arrangements for smooth flow of traffic around historic and recreational places.

Additional Chief Secretary Home Nasim Nawaz said directions about security measures had already been issued to the districts.

The meeting was told that ceremonies would be organised at provincial, divisional, district and tehsil levels to celebrate the Independence Day.

In Lahore, the main flag hoisting ceremony would be held at Hazoori Bagh.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2018