Youhanabad tragedy was a conspiracy to divide the nation: Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that the incident that took place in Youhanabad was highly condemnable and it was the worst conspiracy to divide the nation. He said that terrorists have no religion and do not deserve to be called humans.

He was presiding over a high level meeting here today which reviewed overall law and order situation in the wake of the tragic incident in Yuhanabad. The Chief Minister directed that all necessary measures be taken for maintaining law and order and a watchful eye be kept on miscreants. He further directed that security of mosques, Imam Barghas, churches and worship places be reviewed and all necessary measures be taken for ensuring complete protection of these places.

The Chief Minister issued orders for immediate arrest and legal action against the elements that were involved in damage to property and ransacking after the Yuhanabad incident. He said that no one can be allowed to take the law into his hands. He said that protection of life and property of citizens is the responsibility of the government which will be discharged at any cost. He directed that those who burned to death two persons be immediately arrested and the case be sent to Anti-Terrorist Court.

He said that intelligence system is of vital importance for elimination of terrorism and concerned institutions should take solid measures in this regard. Shahbaz Sharif said that terrorists and their facilitators will be made an example with the force of national unity and those who planned attack on churches in Yuhanabad will not be able to escape the law. The meeting observed one minute’s silence for the Christian brethrens who lost their lives in the blasts in Yuhanabad while Fateha was offered for other persons including the police constable.

He said that the entire nation is united in the war against terrorism and the enemies of peace will face a crushing defeat. He said that the nation fully shares the grief of its Christian brethren.

The meeting also reviewed the tragic incident from various angles and discussed strategy for preventing such incidents in future. Provincial Ministers Col (R) Shuja Khanzada, Khalil Tahir Sandhu, Members Provincial Assembly Rana Sanaullah, Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, Chief Secretary, Inspector General Police and concerned officers were present on the occasion.