Supreme sacrifices of brave APS children, teachers restored peace
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf Friday met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that promotion of religious harmony and unity was essential for a durable peace in the country. He said that military and political leadership were united to foil the nefarious designs of those creating dissension and disunity. He said that there was a complete harmony in the nation for elimination of terrorism and extremism.
He said that terrorists were not only the enemies of Pakistan but also of the whole world. He said that the role of every segment of society was of vital importance in the war against terrorism. He said that setting up a society based on tolerance and brotherhood was the mission of the government. He said that promotion of the sentiments of mutual love and restraint is the need of the hour. He said that topics on religious harmony and tolerance had been introduced in the syllabus of educational institutions in Punjab. He said that promotion of education was essential for curbing the trend of extremism.
According to a handout, the chief minister said that effective measures had been taken in Punjab for promotion of sectarian harmony, and those promoting hatred and dissension were being dealt with sternly under the law.
He said that December 16 was the day of innocent martyrs of Army Public School (APS), Peshawar, and due to supreme sacrifices of these brave children and their teachers, peace had been restored in the country.
He said that the whole nation was proud of the sacrifices of the children of APS for a peaceful Pakistan and would always remember them. He said that the blood of innocent children united the whole nation in the war against terrorism.
He said that the brutal elements who martyred innocent students were not finding any place in the country and the efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism would be continued and the final victory would be of Pakistan.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Islam is the religion of peace and welfare. He said that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was sent by Allah Almighty as a blessing for the mankind and peace could be promoted through following teachings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The chief minister appreciated the performance of Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs with regard to provision of best facilities to Hajis.
Federal Minster for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that Punjab government was taking stern legal action against the elements involved in sectarianism, extremism and its efforts were yielding positive results. He said that peace and stability was possible only through stern action against the miscreants.
