Punjab CM Orders No Closure of Markets or Shops During Her Visits

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that no market, shop or commercial centre be closed during her visits or on occasions of VIP movement, and that security arrangements be made so that citizens face no inconvenience.

She issued the message on the social media platform X. According to the chief minister, fresh instructions have been sent to all regional police officers, district police officers, commissioners and deputy commissioners.

The instructions state that no residential street should be closed or sealed, and that citizens’ movement must not be restricted on the pretext of security. All security measures should remain unobtrusive so that the public faces no discomfort or obstruction.

Maryam Nawaz ordered that these directives be implemented to the letter and in their true spirit, warning that strict action would be taken in case of violations.

On the same day, the chief minister extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community. She said Pakistan is a beautiful bouquet of different religions and that the rights of minorities would be protected in line with the vision of the country’s founder.

She said minority communities are being provided financial assistance through the Special Minority Card, while minority virtual police stations have been established under the Safe Punjab vision to protect minorities. She added that Punjab was the first province to pass the Punjab Sikh Marriage Act, and that the Hindu Marriage Act 2017 has also been passed.