Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed Chatem House

London: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif addressed Chatham House, a think tank of international repute under the aegis of Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, today.

Prominent anchor of BBC and writer Oven Brant Jones acted as a host during the function. A large number of intellectuals, politicians, professors and experts were present on the occasion. The Chief Minister spoke comprehensively on various topics including present international situation, role of Pakistan in eliminating terrorism and protection of  human rights.

It may be mentioned that the tradition of such type of intellectuals sessions at Chatham House, a renowned think tank of Britain is about 100 years’ old and only prominent politicians or personalities having international repute in various sectors are invited for address. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif after his address replied to all types of questions of audience for about half an hour.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan cannot be made Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah without eliminating prejudices, intolerance and extremism from the society. He said that we want to make such Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah where every citizen has equal rights and every person could achieve a status on the basis of his abilities without discrimination of faith, color and creed.

He expressed these views while addressing an intellectual session held under the aegis of Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, today. Anchor of BBC World and writer of International repute Brant Jones acted as host.

The Chief Minister openly condemned the incident of terrorism in Paris. He said that this act of barbarism has shocked the entire world. He said that in the so-called war between Communism and Islam during the decade of 80, Pakistan was made a frontline state and when Soviet Union withdrew its forces from Afghanistan, Pakistan was left alone.

Shahbaz Sharif said that as a result of this war, Pakistan received nothing except kalashnikov and heroin culture and terrorism. He said that Pakistan had to face the burden of 30 lakh Afghan refugees.

The Chief Minister said that due to our past services, people elected us in elections of 2013 and vowed that we will come up to their expectations. He expressed his belief that loadshedding will be overcome during 2017 and 2018. He said that presently Pakistan is facing loss of two percent in annual growth rate.

He said that as a result of Zarb-e-Azab, terrorist have been weekend but winning war against terrorism is not easy. He said that we are fully aware of the difficulties in this war but our intention is good and morale is high. Shehbaz Sharif said that the bright future of Pakistan depends upon strengthening of institutions and continuity of democracy.

He said that the tragic incident in Peshawar occurred in last December proved a decisive moment for Pakistan and the entire country united against terrorism. He said that for the first time in the history of the country, legislation has been made for deterrent punishments for delivering hatred speeches, wall-chalking and display of weapons.

Replying to a question with regard to Jhelum incident, the Chief Minister said that the government will not tolerate injustice with any person and the person responsible for the incident will not escape punishment.