Persons involved in Badami Bagh tragedy would not be spared:CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that whole machinery was activated over Badami Bagh tragedy and rehabilitation work of Christian brethren was commenced without wasting a single moment. He said so far construction work of 80 houses has been completed, while renovation of two affected churches has also been accomplished. He said Punjab government has efficiently discharged its responsibilities in Badami Bagh tragedy, which is being investigated and its report would be made public. He said the culprits involved in Badami Bagh tragedy would be given deterrent punishment, so that no one in future could dare commit such a reprehensible act in future.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a high-level meeting to review pace of rehabilitation work of the affectees of Badami Bagh incident at Model Town today. Provincial Minister for Law Rana Sanaullah Khan, Education Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Pervaiz Malik, Riaz Malik, Members Provincial Assembly Khawaja Imran Nazir, Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Chaudhary Shahbaz Ahmad, Dr. Asad Ashraf, Advocate General Punjab, Chief Secretary, Prosecutor General, Secretaries Home, Law and Communication & Works, Inspector General Police Punjab, District Coordination Officer Lahore, Capital City Police Officer Lahore, Director General Lahore Development Authority and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.

Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the constitution of Pakistan provides complete protection to minorities, who have equal rights in the country. He said it is the responsibility of the state of Pakistan to ensure protection of life, property and rights of minorities as equal citizens. He said Christian community has played a vital role in construction and progress of Pakistan since its establishment, while Christian education institutions are playing an effective role in promotion of education. He said Punjab government has responsibly ensured rehabilitation work of the affectees of Badami Bagh tragedy, while compensation of five lakh rupees per family has been paid along with construction of houses. He said the process of arresting the culprits involved in the tragedy is continuing, and no one would be able to escape the grip of law. He said that many accused nominated in the FIR have already been arrested, while the remaining culprits would also be apprehended soon. He said construction work of houses is continuing expeditiously and would be completed within next few days. He directed CCPO Lahore to investigate the Badami Bagh tragedy from every aspect and bring the facts before the public, by utilizing professional and scientific investigation methods. The Chief Minister was given a detailed briefing on rehabilitation work and progress made in the investigation of the case.