LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has appealed to citizens to keep calm and only rely on official news sources.
She condemned the Indian aggression in Bahawalpur and other cities and said the entire nation was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pakistan Army. “The Indian Army started the cowardly aggression and we will put it to a logical end. We want peace, but with dignity and honour. If war is imposed on us, the security forces and entire nation will give a befitting reply to their enemy.” She directed Rescue 1122, district administration, hospitals and other relevant institutions to remain on high alert. She urged citizens not to leave their homes unnecessarily and strictly adhere to Civil Defence instructions.
She appealed to citizens not to lend an ear to rumours and obtain information only from official news sources. She directed all stakeholders to immediately report the news of any injured or affected person to the nearest hospital or rescue institutions.
She said the enemy would be given a befitting reply as it had earlier been given on May 28, 1998. “By the grace of Allah Almighty, our armed forces will once again become victorious in fight against their enemy. Every citizen of Pakistan will attain success in this fight.”
The chief minister has declared a state of emergency in the entire province. She has also summoned officers and staff of all relevant institutions, including Civil Defence. She directed all security institutions, including Punjab Police, to remain on high alert. She cancelled leaves of doctors and medical staff.
Maryam Nawaz paid glowing tributes to the Pakistan Air Force for downing Indian warplanes. She said: “India’s pride, arrogance and false propaganda have been reduced to ashes. The Pakistan Air Force has made it clear to the entire world that Pakistan wants peace but will not compromise on its defence under any circumstance. Pakistan has given a strong message across the globe that those who test its military might will always regret. The whole nation is proud of its security forces, we salute our brave soldiers and pilots.”