LAHORE Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday presided over a meeting of Apex Committee which unanimously decided to take immediate measures for effective implementation of National Action plan against terrorism. During the meeting, Shahbaz said all segments of the society would have to play an active role to defeat the terrorists and their facilitators. He said terrorism, extremism and sectarianism would be eliminated from the country with the force of unity, adding that terrorists would find no place to hide in Pakistan. Corps Commander Lt Gen Naveed Zaman, Punjab Rangers DG Maj Gen Khan Tahir Javed Khan, 10th Division GOC Maj Gen Amir Abbasi, Home Minister Col (r) Shuja Khanzada, chief secretary, IGP, home secretary and other senior officers attended the meeting. The chief minister said after reaching consensus over National Action Plan, important decisions had been taken immediately and positive results were being witnessed due to their implementation. Shahbaz said political, military and religious leadership of the country was on same page against terrorism. He added that every member of the society had a responsibility at the present critical juncture of national history and victory was the only option in the war for the country’s survival. He said extraordinary and immediate measures were required in the present situation, adding that the martyrdom of students of Army Public School Peshawar had promoted national unity amid the barbarity shown against innocent children. He said the terrorists were enemies of Pakistan and they would be rooted out to give a safe and peaceful country to the future generations. The chief minister said the army was the best-trained and most disciplined force of the world, adding that the army and police personnel and common citizens had rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He said the course of history would be changed and Pakistan would be made an Islamic welfare state in a real sense. The meeting reviewed security arrangements in the province and it was decided to take every possible step for protecting the life and property of citizens. Proposals to make security arrangements foolproof were also discussed on the occasion. compensation: Shahbaz Sharif has announced Rs 500,000 each for the families of those killed in a marriage hall wall collapse and Rs 100,000 each for the injured in the incident in Shadbagh area. The CM constituted a committee headed by Lahore Division Commissioner Abdullah Khan for an investigation into the incident. The committee will present its report within 48 hours. The members of the committee will include MNA Pervaiz Malik, MPA Ghazali Butt, Ch Shahbaz Ahmed, Lahore DCO, DG 1122 and EDO Works. Meanwhile, the CM expressed sorrow and grief over the death of two minor brothers in a roof collapse of their house in Ramzan Pura, Gujranwala. The CM directed best treatment facilities for the injured.
