LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the safe return of the helicopter crew will be ensured at all costs.

The chief minister yesterday went to the residence of helicopter pilot Col (r) Shafiqur Rehman, Flight Engineer Col (r) Nasir Mahmood at Askari-10 and Pilot Col (r) Safdar Husain at State Life Housing Society and met their sons and families. The chief minister consoled the family members and the ensured them that the crew members will be brought back safe and sound.

A Punjab government helicopter on the way to Uzbekistan on Thursday had a crash landing at Loggar area of Afghanistan. The seven crew members of the chopper were taken into custody by Afghan Taliban while the heli allegedly set on fire.

The chief minister during the visit to residence of crew members, apprised their relations about the efforts underway by Punjab government for the safe recovery the crewmen. He assured that all out resources are being utilised for the safe recovery of the crew of the helicopter and it is hoped that the efforts in this regard will succeed.

Talking to the sons and families of Pilot Col (r) Shafiqur Rehman, Flight Engineer Col (r) Nasir Mahmood and Col (r) Safdar Husain, the chief minister said that the incident that took place in Loggar Afghanistan is sad, however, by the grace of Allah the crew is safe.

The chief minister said that government is making efforts at every level for the safe recovery of the helicopter crew and effective measures are being taken for this purpose. He said that he is also in contact with concerned federal institutions in this regard. He said that the first priority of the government is safe return of helicopter crew and it is hoped that a good news will soon be received.

Shehbaz Sharif said that every effort is being made for the recovery of pilots and other crew of the helicopter and he is in contact with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif, Interior Minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatmi and other authorities.

The chief minister assured that all available resources will be utilised for the safe recovery of pilots and other crew. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also sent a message of sympathy for them and assured that all out efforts are being adopted for the recovery of helicopter crew.

Sons and families of Col (r) Shafiqur Rehman, Flight Engineer Col (r) Nasir Mahmood and Col (r) Safdar Husain while talking to the chief minister said that sincere efforts being made for the safe recovery of the helicopter crew will succeed and they will return to their homes very soon.

MESSAGE

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Senate is playing an important role for the protection of the rights of federation and federating units for the last 44 years and the basic purpose of its establishment was to give representation to all federating units and political forces at one platform.

In his message on 44th Founders Day of the Senate, the chief minister said that this institution is of vital importance with regard to effective legislation, stability of democracy and protection of peoples’ right. He said that Senate has played an active role in the supremacy of constitution and continuity of democratic process.

He said that upper house is a national institution of Pakistan and guarantees supremacy of the constitution. Shehbaz Sharif said that Senate is a symbol of federating units and upholding of democracy. He said that the role of Senate is of key importance in the strengthening of democracy. He said that future of Pakistan is linked with supremacy of constitution and stability of democracy.

CONDOLENCE

Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the death of prominent artist Shamim Ara.

In a condolence message, the chief minister sympathised with the bereaved and prayed for the departed soul. Paying tribute to the artistic services of Shamim Ara, the chief minister said that she was a versatile artist and her movies are still very popular.  He said that with the death of Shamim Ara, a beautiful chapter of acting has come to close and her services in the field of film industry will be remembered for a long time.

NOTICE

Taking notice of the alleged abuse of children in a private school, in Sarogodha, Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities concerned of the District to thoroughly probe the matter and bring the culprits to law.

He said that demands of justice will be fulfilled at any cost. Meanwhile on the instructions of Chief Minister, a case has been registered and three accused have been arrested.