Masses need to support govt and security agencies in this critical time

Lahore: It’s defining moment and a do or die situation for all of us. Our country is passing through war-like situation. Masses need to support govt and security agencies in this critical time, these views were expressed by Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rana Mashud Ahmad Khan while addressing a seminar at National Hockey Stadium here on Saturday. He also announced that a Youth Volunteer Force with three lakh members will be formed to maintain peace in the society.

The seminar was conducted in regard to formation of Youth Volunteer Force, launching of Electronic Libraries and improvement of security in Nishtar Park Sports Complex and educational institutions.

Among others MPA Kiran Dar, Sahibzada Hashim, Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar, Chairman Red Crescent Dr Saeed Elahi, Columnist Orya Maqbool Jan, Chairman HEC Dr Nizam ud Din, Special Secretary HEC Nayyer Iqbal, Special Secretary School Education Gulzar Shah, Vice-Chancellor GCU Dr Khaleequr Rehman, SP ModelTown Baqir Raza, President Private School Association Kaqshif Mirza and Dr Mehmood Bodla attended and addressed the seminar.

Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, who presided over the seminar, said that the seminar was an initial step towards our goal and with great amount of resolve definitely we will achieve our goal. “The way govt is taking serious measures for the elimination of terrorism, we are quite confident for our success against militants. Any govt in the past has never showed such a commitment for this purpose,” he added.

Rana Mashhood asked the nation to come forward and play its due role for the eradication of terrorism from the society. “No individual, group or even government could purge this menace single handedly. We all will have to put up collective efforts for this great cause,” he stressed.

He also announced to launching of electronic libraries in govt educational institutions so that the youth could be inclined towards positive activities.

Dismissing the pressure factor from any quarter about the opening of educational institutions on January 12, Rana Mashhood said that govt was under no pressure and it will take its decision according to the situation. “Our top priority is to provide top level security to educational institutions and students. We don’t take care of any pressure from any segment,” he explained.

Director General Sports Punjab Usman Anwar, on this occasion urged the masses to play their role in their individual capacity for the betterment of peace condition in the country particularly in urban areas. “Govt is performing its duties and we all need to support govt in this noble cause,” he stressed.

He said that security agencies and other concerned departments did great research work about the past terrorist activities and attacks. “Our research shows that the height of outer walls of educational institutions should be 8-feet high because it posed troubles for terrorists in their nefarious designs,” he elaborated.

Usman Anwar further said that all countries do face good or bad times. He gave example of Sri Lanka, India and other countries in this regard. “The courageous nations always face the hardships with wisdom and bravery and it’s right time for us to inculcate the same spirit in our youth,” he asserted.

Rana Mashhood welcomed the useful suggestions from the participants and promised to give them good consideration.