Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over a meeting of provincial cabinet here on Wednesday. The meeting expressed its resolve to eliminate terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the society and it was declared that no effort will be spared for rooting out terrorists as they are enemies of the country and the nation.
The Punjab cabinet also gave approval to various steps for the empowerment of women and protection of their rights as well as necessary legislation in this regard. Amendments in family laws to check exploitation of women besides their empowerment were also approved in the meeting. The cabinet also decided to observe World Women Day on March 8 in an enthusiastic manner. Moreover, setting up of Punjab Working Women Endowment Fund and establishment of family courts complex in each district were also approved. The meeting decided to give three-year special relaxation to women in age limit for employment while it was also decided that only women will operate canteens in educational institutions for women. Similarly, all columns relating to the women rights in Nikkah Nama (marriage certificate) will have to be filled.
While addressing the meeting, the CM said that more than 50 percent population of Pakistan comprises women and the country cannot progress without their empowerment. He said that women will have to display their talent and abilities in the practical field for the progress and prosperity of the country. He said that the job quota for women has been increased from 5 to 15 percent while necessary legislation has also been made for ensuring share of women in inheritance. He said that Punjab government is taking revolutionary measures for empowering women and protecting their rights.
Referring to the tragic incidents of terrorism, Shahbaz said that innocent children were brutally martyred in Peshawar while the terrorists also shed the blood of innocent people in Shikarpur, Hayatabad and Lahore which is highly condemnable.
He said that Punjab government has set up a fully trained Counter Terrorism Force after two years of hard work and its first batch has passed out. He said that passing out of the second batch will be held in April while of the third batch in August. He said that Counter Terrorism Force will play a vital role in the elimination of terrorism from the country.
He said that Counter Terrorism Force has been set up only for the eradication of terrorism and has been provided modern equipment. He further said that Punjab government has taken immediate and effective measures with regard to implementation of National Action Plan. He said that in order to control terrorism, extremism and terrorism, necessary amendments have been made in the laws to make sentences more stringent while speedy measures are being taken for the implementation of National Action Plan.
The CM said that a consolidated intelligence system is of vital importance in the war against terrorism. He said that Counter Terrorism Force has got training from master trainers from abroad. He said that efforts will have to be made on war footing for elimination of terrorism. He said that Punjab government is utilising modern technology for the elimination of terrorism and work is in progress on Safe City Project.
He said that this project will start from Lahore and will be extended to Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and other cities during the next three years. He said that this project is of vital importance for making cities safe and peaceful. Shahbaz further said that under this project modern technology will also be used for improving law and order. He said that sincere efforts and national spirit will have to be displayed for providing a peaceful and secure environment to the citizens.
He said that though it is a big challenge but the government is determined to restore peace in the society. He said that Pakistan has the world's best trained army which is capable to deal with any challenge and the nation is proud of its armed forces. The meeting also gave approval to inclusion of the topics on tolerance, peace and brotherhood in the educational syllabus as well as to arrange essay writing and speech contests in educational institutions.
Referring to the discovery and certification of precious mineral reserves in Chiniot-Rajwa, the CM said that experts conducted drilling at ten places in an area of 24 square kilometres and besides iron reserves copper deposits have also been discovered from all the sites. He said that survival and prosperity of Pakistan depends upon the best utilisation of these resources.
The CM congratulated Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Khan, Chairman Punjab Mineral Development Company Dr Samar Mubarak Mand, Secretary Minerals Dr Arshad Mahmood and the entire team over the discovery and certification of the precious mineral reserves in Punjab.
The meeting appreciated Chairman Punjab Education Foundation Engr Qamarul Islam over showing the best performance in a very short period. Preliminary report regarding the suicide attack on Police Lines was also presented in the meeting. Secretary Home and Inspector General Police gave detailed briefing to the meeting regarding efforts for maintaining law and order, security arrangements and implementation of National Action Plan. Secretary Women Development apprised the provincial cabinet of the measures taken by Punjab government for empowering women and protecting their rights. Secretary Law and Secretary Local Government briefed the meeting about the protection of women rights and necessary legislation in this regard. Provincial Ministers, Advisors, Special Assistants, Chief Secretary, IG Police, concerned secretaries and senior officers were present on the occasion.