LAHORE - Appreciating the role of media in promoting democracy and strengthening the institutions, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has urged the journalists to act for creating national solidarity, unity, harmony.
“Pakistani media must play its due role for the promotion of sentiments of tolerance, brotherhood and patience in the society,” the CM said while talking to a selective gathering of media persons yesterday. “Unity among the Muslims is dire need of the hour. Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions rendered sacrifice for a great cause, as such respect and sanctity of Muharam-ul-Haram is binding on us all.” He expressed the hope that the role of media will further improve in the coming days.
Shahbaz Sharif said the country is facing the challenges of terrorism and energy crisis. “We will overcome all the challenges with unity.
“Pak army has achieved glorious successes in the war against terrorism, which we must win for the survival of Pakistan and to make it a haven of peace.
“Beside the bullets, tablets of socio-economic justice are also essential for winning the war against terrorism.”
The CM highlighted that the problems of corruption, unemployment and poverty also need to be resolved to curb extremism. In order to defeat terrorism, punishments have been made more stringent under the National Action Plan (NAP), he added.
“The government has developed an effective strategy for controlling religious hatred and sectarianism from the society created for many decades,” the CM said and added that not only Pakistan but the entire region would benefit from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Separately, a meeting presided over by the chief minister decided to keep the mobile phone service blocked throughout the province from 8am to 10pm on Ashura (10th of Muharram).
The meeting reviewed law and order situation in the province and decided to put ban on pillion riding on 9th and 10th Muharram. Important decisions relating to ensuring foolproof security, restricting movement of certain clerics and strict implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) were made.
“Protection of life and property of the people is top priority and the government will effectively discharge its responsibilities and not tolerate negligence or laxity in this regard,” Shahbaz Sharif said.
He warned that the publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred will not be tolerated at any cost and action is being taken under the law against violators. “Pakistan is facing a critical situation, therefore, the law enforcement agencies should remain alert for foiling nefarious designs of the enemies,” the CM said.
He directed the authorities to evolve foolproof security plans for Yaum-e-Ashur and implement them in letter and spirit besides keeping a vigilant eye on mischievous elements.
The chief minister further directed that special attention should be paid to the security of Imam Bargahs, mosques, worship places and shrines and search operation based on intelligence should be continued.
He said that the decision of establishing four tiers cordon for the protection of Majalis and processions should be fully implemented. He directed that the code of conduct should be implemented at every cost. All the processions should culminate according to the fixed timings and routes, he ordered.
The home secretary, during the meeting, gave a detailed briefing on the security arrangements made in the province.
Inspector General Police Mushtaq Sukhera informed the meeting about the legal action taken against violators of code of conduct. Provincial Ministers, PML-N legislators, Commissioner Lahore Division, Information Secretary and senior officials of law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.