LAHORE: The Punjab caretaker government has imposed a ban on drone coverage ofprocessions and gatherings during Ashura.

The decision was made during a meeting presided by caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi held to review the security plan during Muharram, specifically on Ashura.

The meeting also discussed measures takenfortheprotectionofforeignnationals, particularly the Chinese citizens.

The CM instructed all the commissioners and regional police officers (RPOs) toprepare necessary contingency plans in view of the possible rains during the processions.

He said the mosques, imambargahs and other places of worship should receive special attention regarding security measures and the peace committees and elected representatives should play a proactive role in promoting religious harmony.

The meeting also ordered monitoring of performance of district JITs and reviewed the progress in prosecuting those involved in the acts of May 9 incidents.

Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar briefed the meeting on the secu-rity arrangements during Muharram.

Meanwhile, the cabinet standing committee on finance and development approved construction of a flood protection embankment in Chiniot`s rural area to safeguard it from the flood. The meeting also approved restoration projects for channels, drains and drainage affected by floods in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur.

It also decided to include the SignalFree Corridor Project from Main Boulevard Gulberg (Centre Point) to Walton Road (Defence Mor), Bedian Road Roundabout Underpass Project and the Lahore Ring Road Southern Loop (SL-3) Project from Raiwind Roadto Multan Road in the ADP.

An allocation of Rs.1.80bn was approved for the construction of the new emergency and trauma centre at the Jinnah Hospital. Additionally, a cardiac unit would be established at the new emergency ward.

For the Punjab family planning programme, the meeting approved the nomination of the competent authority for signing an agreement on the World Bank programme and authorised the re-release of funds for achieving sustainable development objectives. Thirteen positions for chief engineer power`s reconsultation cell in the energy department were also approved for recruitment.