Report: ANI
Gujranwala — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that effective measures against terrorism are essential, adding that the decision to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was taken out of necessity in the best interest of the country and its people. He said the federal government was ready to extend cooperation and provide resources for the development and prosperity of the province.
Speaking to the media in Gujranwala on Saturday after offering condolences on the death of Barrister Mahmood Bashir Virk, the prime minister said he had repeatedly assured the former and subsequent provincial chief ministers that the federal government was prepared to support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in every possible way to promote public welfare and development.
He said that following the resurgence of terrorism originating from Afghanistan, the provincial government had been offered all possible assistance, resources and support in administrative decision-making to jointly address the security challenges.
Expressing concern over the loss of lives, the prime minister said security personnel were sacrificing their lives, while ordinary citizens, women and innocent children were also falling victim to terrorism. He stressed that effective counterterrorism measures were indispensable, recalling the severe damage terrorism had caused to Pakistan in the past.
Shehbaz Sharif said peace had been restored in Pakistan through efforts undertaken during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, but the subsequent resurgence of terrorism had once again created serious challenges for the country.
Regarding political developments, the prime minister said the federal government had made extensive efforts to resolve matters through dialogue and mutual understanding. A committee comprising representatives of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz held continuous negotiations for 48 hours in an attempt to reach an agreement.
He said a draft agreement had also been prepared, under which the call for protest and a sit-in was to be withdrawn. However, the negotiations could not reach a final agreement after some participants sought additional time at the last stage.
The prime minister said the government wanted to protect the country's ongoing development and economic progress and could not remain a silent spectator when the situation threatened the national interest. He expressed hope that the decision to impose an emergency would yield positive results.
He added that the advisory council established to improve governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa comprised a majority of non-political and competent individuals. He also announced that he would visit the province soon and hold meetings on relevant matters.
Speaking about the economy, Shehbaz Sharif said the government was taking measures to ensure economic stability and provide relief to the public. He attributed the gradual improvement in the economy and the decline in inflation to collective efforts and the blessings of Allah Almighty.
The prime minister said Rs75 billion had been allocated for petroleum relief, benefiting owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc. According to him, approximately 12 million people had already benefited from the programme, while the number of direct and indirect beneficiaries could reach around 65 million when household members were included.
He also thanked public representatives and political workers for their cooperation in implementing relief measures.
Earlier, the prime minister expressed grief over the death of Barrister Mahmood Bashir Virk, describing him as a kind and affectionate person whose political services would always be remembered. He said he had maintained a longstanding relationship with the deceased, whom he regarded as an elder brother and a respected senior.
Shehbaz Sharif described Virk as a loyal leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and said his death was a significant loss for the family and the political community. He recalled that Nawaz Sharif had consistently maintained confidence in Barrister Mahmood Bashir Virk, reflecting his trust in longstanding party colleagues.
The prime minister also praised the development work being carried out in Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and prayed for her continued strength and success.
