LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif presided over the sixth meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on Thursday.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the measures taken in the province under National Action Plan for eliminating terrorism while the performance of Punjab government and law enforcement agencies regarding recent successful operations against terrorists and their facilitators was also appreciated. The meeting decided to take more effective steps speedily for the implementation of National Action Plan. The Provincial Apex Committee also expressed determination for the complete elimination of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.
It was also decided that there will be ban on collection of zakat and fitrana by the banned organisations and no such organisation will be allowed to collect Zakat and Fitrana. Similarly, activities of banned organisations will be completely controlled. It was also decided that indiscriminate crackdown will be carried out on terrorists and the facilitators of extremists as well as those providing them financial assistance. Addressing the meeting of Provincial Apex Committee, Shahbaz Sharif said that National Action Plan reflects the national determination for elimination of terrorism.
He said that federal and provincial governments are taking action under the National Action Plan with complete coordination, and noted that the whole nation has decided to eliminate terrorism. He said that successful operation of army against terrorists, Operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing with full force and the enemies of the country are being brought to justice through Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He said that Pakistan Army has written a new history of courage and bravery in the war against terrorism.
He said that besides officers and jawans of army, police, security institutions, all segments of society, including children have rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism. The chief minister said that Punjab government has taken effective measures under National Action Plan for the elimination of terrorism. He said that a counter-terrorism force has been set up in the province and it has been imparted modern training.
He said that the ban on wall chalking, use of loudspeakers, provocative speeches and publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred is being strictly implemented and punishments have been increased for these offences through legislation. On the occasion Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Zaman said that indiscriminate action against network of terrorists, their facilitators and those providing them financial assistance will be continued. A detailed briefing was also given to the meeting regarding the steps taken in the province under the National Action Plan against terrorism.
Gen Naveed Zaman, Provincial Minister Shuja Khanzada, chief secretary, Punjab Rangers DG Maj Gen Umer Farooq Barki, 10-Div General Officer Commanding Maj Gen Sardar Tariq Aman, Police Punjab Inspector General, provincial home secretary and senior civil and military officers attended the meeting. Earlier, the corps commander met Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Matters of mutual interest, professional affairs and the steps taken under National Action Plan against terrorism were discussed in the meeting. The chief minister paid tributes to supreme sacrifices of the officers and jawans of army in the war against terrorism.
