Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that terrorism, extremism and sectarianism are a big hurdle in national development and promotion of economic and trade activities in the country. He said that time has come to root out terrorism and extremism for survival and stability of the country and securing the future of the coming generations.
He said that political and military leadership had resolved to root out terrorists and a decisive war was being fought against the enemies of peace and humanity. He said that brutal elements which shed the blood of innocent Pakistanis in mosques, worship places, educational institutions, markets and different institutions will be held accountable for their heinous crimes against humanity.
He was talking to a delegation of office-bearers of Pakistan Muslim League-N, here on Sunday. The Chief Minister said that Pakistan is passing through the most difficult phase of its history and terrorism and extremism have shaken the foundations of the country. He said that thousands of Pakistanis, including officers and Jawans of Pak Army, police and security institutions besides common citizens have laid down their lives in the war against terrorism.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Pak Army is writing a new history of courage and bravery in the war for survival and stability of Pakistan and the nation is proud of and fully supporting its armed forces.
He said that people of Pakistan will be successful in the war against terrorism and will foil the evil designs of the enemies of the country with the force of unity.
He said the death of innocent children in Army Public School, Peshawar attack has deeply grieved, however, united the entire nation in the war against terrorism.
He said that terrorists would be defeated and wiped out from the country with the force of national unity. The Chief Minister said that National Action Plan will be fully implemented and decision has been taken to arrange speech and essay-writing contests in educational institutions for promoting sentiments of peace, brotherhood and harmony in the society. He said that the law against publication and distribution of provocative literature, misuse of loudspeaker and wall-chalking has been made more stringent.
He said that Counter Terrorism Force has been formed in the province and has been imparted modern training. He said the first batch of Counter Terrorism Force has passed out. He said that implementation of National Action Plan is yielding positive results and terrorism, extremism and sectarianism would soon be eliminated and Pakistan will emerge as a haven of peace.