LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the role played by mash-aikh during Pakistan Movement as well as different eras is a glorious chapter of the national history. Addressing a gathering of mashaikh at CMs Secretariat here on Sunday in which a large number of Sajjada Nashins of prominent shrines of the province were present, the CM said that the religious and national services of ulema and mashaikh are invaluable and it was their teachings that Islam spread in the Subcontinent. Senior Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Auqaf Minister Haji Ehsanud Din Qureshi and members of national and provincial assemblies were present. He said that these personalities are benefactors of the nation and their successors also deserve all respect as they are the custodian of these Dargahs and Astanas. He said that ulema and mashaikh as well as all segments of the society will have to play their role for rooting out terrorism from the country. He said that Punjab government is fully aware of its responsibilities towards elimination of terrorism and protection of the shrines of the saints. He said that besides increasing security staff at shrines, closed circuit TV system is also being improved. He said that he had personally seen the effects of the brutal activities of terrorists at the shrines of Data Ganj Bakhsh and Baba Farid Gung Shakkar and his pain and agony could not be described in words. He said that these incidents of terrorism have caused grief and anguish to millions of devotees of the saints in Pakistan and abroad. He said that these murderers of mankind will be punished in the world herein and the world hereafter. He said that Punjab government has evolved a comprehensive system for safeguarding the shrines. He said that mashaikh issued decrees in favour of Pakistan Movement and also extended all out support to Quaid-e-Azam. The CM said that the serious challenge of terrorism being faced by the country is the outcome of eight years dictatorial role during which the dictator remained engaged in compromising national interests at international level. He said that this 'Merchant of Enlightenment pushed the nation into the abyss of violence only to prolong his role. He said that ulema and Mashaikh who faced oppression and torture during Musharraf dictatorship for upholding truth deserve all credit and their services will be written in golden letters in the national history. The mashaikh while expressing their views paid tributes to CM for his services to the flood affectees and also assured their full support in the war against terrorism. Pirzada Imran Shah, Mufti Intikhab , Syed Khalil, Kh Pir Noor Sahu and Syed Waseem also spoke. The CM gave instructions to the administration to check provocative wall-chalking and withdraw all cases registered in Musharraf era for protesting against blasphemy.