Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif met the families of police officials who were martyred in operation Zarb-e-Ahan against criminal elements in Kutcha area of Rajanpur at Police Lines, Rajanpur and also addressed Police Darbar. Talking to the heirs of police martyrs, he said, he equally shares the grief of the bereaved families. He said that the blood of martyrs will not to go waste. Shahbaz Sharif said that police martyrs have sacrificed their lives for a noble cause and given a message to Punjab police that courage and bravery is the only way for survival of nations.
He said that though the martyrs cannot be brought back but look after of their families is the responsibility of the government. He said that Punjab government will bear the educational expenditures of the children of the martyrs at colleges and universities. The Chief Minister said that martyrdom is priceless however government has evolved a comprehensive policy for meeting socio-economic needs of the families of martyrs and their proper look after will be ensured. He said that the status of martyrs has also been acknowledged in the Holy Quran. He said that the nation salutes the supreme sacrifice of martyrs.
The heirs of the martyrs while talking to Chief Minister said that meeting with him has further raised their morale. Shahbaz Sharif gave financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh to the families of martyrs and Rs 25 lakh for the purchase of house.
While addressing Police Darbar in Rajanpur, the Chief Minister said that police officials who laid down their lives in operation Zarb-e-Ahan against dacoits and criminal elements have set an example of courage and valour. He said that this example will live forever and has set guiding principles for the future. He said that those who lay down their lives in safeguarding their country and in the fight against criminal elements are brave soldiers and martyrs. He said that according the Holy Quran, the martyrs are not dead but living. He said that criminal elements took roots in this area in the beginning of 2000 and a number of operations were carried out against them. He said that brave Jawans of the Army, Rangers and Police have undertaken a joint operation against them this time. He said that this operation was not an easy task but a full-fledged war against dacoits and criminal elements. Shahbaz Sharif said that police chief and cabinet committee made all preparations and the officials were given necessary training while weapons and equipment was taken from the Army. He said that the martyrdom of brave police officials was a setback but it is also a fact that there are a number of such examples in the history of the world. He said that after laying down lives police force becomes more brave and courageous. He said that this message has been given by the martyrs and it is a religious and national duty to act upon it.
The Chief Minister paid tributes to Pak Army, Rangers and Police and said that they overpowered criminal elements and must be appreciated. He said that now it is time to evolve future strategy. He said that the whole nation is facing the challenge of terrorism and extremism and is determined to root out this menace.
He said that operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing successfully and Pak Army has achieved glorious successes. He said that every segment of society is contributing his share in the war against terrorism. He said that common citizens have also rendered sacrifices in this war. He said that operation Zarb-e-Azb will continue till terrorists and extremists are eliminated from every look and corner of the country. He said that the elements patronising terrorists and extremists will also have to be eradicated otherwise a lasting peace cannot be ensured in the country. Shahbaz Sharif said that poverty and terrorism are closely linked as unemployed youth become a tool of such elements as use them for achievement of their nefarious designs.