Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday decided to revive the role of provinces in implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in a bid to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
According to reports, the premier chaired a meeting in Lahore to review the overall security situation in the country. During the meeting, he was briefed on the situation of law and order in the province, terror threats as well as measures being taken to curb the scourge.
Speaking on the occasion, Shehbaz said that the province’s role in implementing the NAP had been ignored during the last four years, which led to the rise in the number of terrorism-related incidents.
He said that public opinion could only be turned in favour of the police and law enforcement agencies by showing performance. He said it was inevitable to ensure law and order in the country for revival of national economy and country’s development. Expressing concern over the rise in street crimes in Punjab, the premier directed the provincial government to take measures for protection of lives and properties of the people.
The meeting also reviewed implementation of steps to eliminate the sources of terror financing and relevant laws. The premier appreciated the performance of law enforcement agencies regarding the fulfillment of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan.
He said the whole nation was united against terrorism and stood side by side with the country’s armed forces. “Our struggle will go on till the elimination of terrorism. The government will never compromise Pakistan’s security and defence,” he remarked. Separately, Shehbaz said the government was making efforts to counter the rising trend of drug abuse among youth. In his message on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on June 26, the premier said that Pakistan had shown “unwavering commitment” to addressing challenges stemming from illicit drugs. “We are working closely with international organisations for the purpose,” he said.
He said that Pakistan was a signatory to all global conventions and protocols for the prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He said the general public, especially the youth, who make up more than 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population, was at high risk due to easy availability of synthetic drugs. He called for a collective effort to shield the youngsters against the hazards of drug abuse and protect their health and well-being.
