Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday political, religious and military leaders were on the same page in the country’s war against terrorism.
“We will achieve victory with the force of unity and rid Pakistan of terrorism,” he told assembly members from various districts.
Sharif said innumerable sacrifices that the Pakistanis had rendered in the war would no go to waste. “We are faced with an extraordinary situation and need to take extraordinary steps to rise to the challenge,” the chief minister said.
He said the National Action Plan was the key to overcoming terrorism that he said was a constant threat to the country’s stability. The plan would bring about peace, he said.
Sharif said the nation was determined to build a safe Pakistan for the next generation. “The terrorists have shed the blood of innocent Pakistanis, including children. It is time for a pay back.”
The chief minister said the achievement of a consensus on terrorism among national leader was a milestone.
“Victory is the only option in the war against terrorism. Brave decisions taken by the national leaders will help eradicate the menace of terrorism,” he said.
Sharif said Pakistan Army was writing a new chapter in the history. He said the nation stood with its armed forces in the testing times.
“The army is playing a key role in fighting the enemies of humanity.”
Saaf Pani
The chief minister said potable water was a basic right. He said the government had, therefore, made a comprehensive plan to provide safe drinking water to citizens.
He was chairing a meeting to review progress on the Saaf Pani Project and the Water Filtration Plants Programme. Housing Minister Tanveer Aslam Malik, Saaf Pani Project chairperson Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, the Planning and Development Board chairman and the secretaries concerned attended the meeting.
Sharif said billions of rupees was being spent for the purpose. He stressed the need for early implementation of the Saaf Pani Project. It was the government’s responsibility to make good use of national resources, he said.
The chief minister said modern water filtration plants were being installed across the province.
Eid Miladun Nabi
Sharif ordered foolproof security arrangements for Eid Miladun Nabi on Sunday. He directed police and administrative officers to supervise security measures and remain in the field. Elected representatives, too, should monitor security arrangements, he said. The chief minister said Eid Miladun Nabi processions should be allowed only after clearance by security agencies. He ordered that CCTV cameras be installed along the procession routes.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2014.