LAHORE: Those trying to destabilize the country under the guise of politics and democracy will not be dealt with leniently, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said – a day after police crackdown on SIC [PTI] leaders and activists who staged protests against an alleged outfit. in the February 8 polls.
Maryam said the law would come into effect if there was a threat of damage to public property or harm to people when a reporter asked a question on the subject during an informal and brief interaction.
“This is not about political victimization,” the chief minister emphasized, adding that in case of protest, one must behave as a responsible citizen.
Maryam said: “If you think that [you] will use your democratic right to spread political chaos in the country, then I will not allow you to do that.”
The prime minister mentioned that she watched a video in which a woman attacked a police vehicle and forcibly freed some individuals. In what country was it allowed to help people escape by attacking a law enforcement officer, she asked.
Responding to another question, the chief minister admitted that the government had no organized system to set rates and control prices and said there were governance issues that would take time to resolve — a statement against the backdrop of rising inflation, especially food prices.
Soon after assuming office, Maryam directed district administrations across Punjab to take strict action against those who charge exorbitant prices and are involved in hoarding essentials. Officials conduct thousands of raids and fines in this regard every day. However, practice is not enough to reduce prices.
Citing the ongoing crackdown, Maryam vowed not to spare anyone and lamented that with the advent of Ramazan, prices are increasing in Pakistan in stark contrast to the rest of the world where discounts are offered during festivals or special events.
