Badami Bagh incident’s culprits will be brought to justice:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Badami Bagh incident is a very serious issue and has tarnished the image of Pakistan. He said that all culprits involved in the incident will be brought to justice and due punishment will be ensured. He said that no Muslim can tolerate blasphemy against the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

However, he said, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had given the message of tolerance, forgiveness and peace and also extended protection to non-Muslims but it is unfortunate that despite being the followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) his teachings are not being followed. He said that no religion can tolerate the way the houses of Christian community were burnt in Badami Bagh. He said that action is being taken against all the accused involved in the incident and those who incited them.
He was presiding over a high-level meeting to review the pace of progress into Badami Bagh incident and relief and , at Model Town, today. Provincial Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Kamran Michael, Assembly Members, IG Police, Advocate General Punjab and other concerned officers are also present on the occasion. The Chief Minister said that Punjab government is taking all out measures for bringing the elements responsible for this deplorable incident to justice. He said that instructions have been issued to Police to immediately arrest all the accused and to take this task as a challenge.

He directed that rehabilitation work of the affectees should be undertaken with sincerity and team spirit and the elements who are creating hurdles in the rehabilitation process be stopped at any cost. He said that the elements involved in the incident and those who provoked them would not be spared. He further directed that debris should be removed from Joseph Colony Badami Bagh till tonight at any cost. He further directed that Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan and Minister for Education Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman should spend maximum time in the relief camp and personally supervise rehabilitation activities. He said that assembly members should remain in the camp round the clock and ensure continuity of rehabilitation work. He further directed to accelerate the process of rehabilitation of the affected churches besides their exterior should be decorated with beautiful tiles.

Secretary Communication & Works informed that repair work of the affected houses in Joseph Colony is continuing expeditiously and the people of the area are satisfied. Police authorities briefed that 27 accused nominated in the FIR into Badami Bagh tragedy have been arrested while the others will soon be apprehended. Secretary Communication & Works informed about repair of the affected houses.