Shahbaz Sharif distribute cheques among martyred heirs of bomb blast

Lahore : Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that those martyred in the war against terrorism are heroes of the nation and the entire nation salutes their sacrifices.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony of distribution of cheques of financial assistance among the heirs of police officials martyred in Kot Lakhpat Sabzi Mandi bomb blast at Model Town, here today.

He expressed the hope that the blood of the martyrs will not go to waste and due to their sacrifices, peace will prevail in the country and Pakistan will cover the journey of progress and prosperity successfully.

He said that officers and Jawans of Pak-army, police and security agencies are coping with terrorists bravely and courageously. He said that terrorists have martyred innocent people and added that time is not far when Pakistan will become a haven of peace due to the blood of these martyrs. We will have to move ahead jointly against terrorism by setting aside our mutual differences and the targets of elimination of terrorism and extremism have to be achieved at all costs, he added.

Shahbaz Sharif said that we have to fight against terrorism with full force instead of targeting each other and eradicate terrorism and extremism from the motherland as without overcoming the menace of terrorism, Pakistan cannot travel the journey of progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister said that they are great people of those families the beloved of which laid down their lives for maintaining peace in the country and donated their blood and the nation is proud of them.

He said that their beloved embraced martyrdom for peace in Pakistan and Allah Almighty will give reward however Punjab government will cooperate with them to lead life.

He said that neither financial assistance is alternate to human life nor it can compensate the sacrifices rendered by their beloved. He said that it is the responsibility of the government to fulfill their needs as their children have to serve the nation and the country by getting education.

He said that according to Shuhada Package, one crore 25 lakh rupees in cash each are being given to Shaheed Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub- Inspector while one crore rupees each to Shaheed Constable. Besides, a seven marla house costing one crore 75 lakh rupees is being given to each Shaheed Sub- Inspector while a five marla house of one crore 35 lakh to each Shaheed Constable, he added.

Shahbaz Sharif said that free education and treatment will be provided to the children of the martyrs and the children can study as long as they want get education and Punjab government will bear their expenditure.

He said that person nominated by heirs of the martyrs for employment in police will be included in police force. He said that Punjab government and Punjab police are proud of them and we are present here for their service.

Replying to questions of media-men, the Chief Minister said that if he was target of terrorists then he cannot repay the debt of those martyrs who embraced martyrdom.

Replying to a question, Shahbaz Sharif said he is of the opinion that we should not indulge in enmity to US, rather talk to America with gracefully. He said that we should be fair and honest with ourselves and the nation.

Answering a question regarding alleged corruption in Multan Metro Bus Project, the Chief Minister said that legal notice has been served to the channel which lied in this regard and his team will fully respond to this baseless and concocted allegation.

However, people can hold him accountable if corruption of even a single penny is proved against him during his three tenures, he added. There should be justice in this matter and he will not rest content unless the truth is brought to the nation.

ShahbazSharif said that we have save billions of rupees of the nation. He said that it does not behoove TV channel to tell lie dishonestly on the basis of mere allegations and added that all the facts will be brought before the nation.

Replying to a question regarding statement of US President Trump, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government has responded in this regard and he has given his stance. He said it is our and need of the nation to eliminate terrorism and extremism as the country cannot make progress without elimination of terrorism.

Answering a question with regard to census, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan consists of four units and we are individuals of the same family and we to settle our matters amicably.

He said that we should consider the facts and figures of census seriously and calmly and if population of Punjab has reduced then we should review its causes and keep the fact in mind that if increase has been shown in population of a province then it may be due to Afghan Refugees.

The Chief Minister distributed cheques among the heirs the police martyrs of Kot Lakhpat Sabzi Mandi. Fateha was also offered for the departed souls of the martyrs on this occasion.

Provincial Ministers Col. ® Ayub Gadhi, Jahangir Khanzada, Spokesman Punjab government Malik Ahmed Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Inspector General Police and concerned officials were present on the occasion.