‘Pakistan on point of no return in war on terror’

LAHORE
PROVINCIAL Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has pointed out that Pakistan has reached a point of no return in its war against terror and all the people of the country should now support the government and security agencies in this crucial phase.
“It’s a defining moment and a do or die situation for all of us as our country is passing through war-like situation. Masses need to support the government and security agencies in this critical time,” said Rana Mashhood while addressing a seminar and a consultative meeting on the youth volunteers for peace and establishment of digital and automated libraries in the province at the National Hockey Stadium on Saturday.
He also announced formation of Youth Volunteer Force having 300,000 members to maintain peace in the society. The seminar was conducted with regard to formation of Youth Volunteer Force, launching of Electronic Libraries and improvement of security in Nishtar Park Sports Complex and educational institutions.
Among others MPA Kiran Dar, Sahibzada Hashim, Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar, Chairman Red Crescent Dr Saeed Elahi, Columnist Orya Maqbool Jan, Chairman HEC Dr Nizam ud Din, Special Secretary HEC Nayyer Iqbal, Special Secretary School Education Gulzar Shah, Vice-Chancellor GCU Dr Khaleequr Rehman, SP Model Town Baqir Raza, President Private School Association Kaqshif Mirza, columnist Adeeb Javedani and Dr Mehmood Bodla addressed the seminar.
Mashhood said: “The seminar was an initial step towards our goal and with great amount of resolve definitely we would achieve our objective.
“The way government is taking serious measures for the elimination of terrorism, we are quite confident for our success against militants. Any government in the past has never showed such a commitment for this purpose,” he added.
Rana Mashhood asked the nation to come forward and play its due role for the eradication of terrorism from the society. “No individual, group or even government can purge this menace single handedly. We all will have to put up collective efforts for this great cause,” he stressed.
He also announced the launch of electronic libraries in government educational institutions so that the youth could be inclined towards positive activities.
Dismissing the pressure factor from any quarter about the opening of educational institutions on January 12, Rana Mashhood said the government was under no pressure and it would take its decision according to the situation. “Our top priority is to provide top level security to educational institutions and students. We don’t take care of any pressure from any segment,” he explained.
Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar urged the masses to play their role in their individual capacity for the betterment of peace in the country, particularly in urban areas. “Government is performing its duties and we all need to support the government in this noble cause,” he stressed.