Punjab law minister says govt will follow security SOPs to counter terrorist threats upon PAT chief’s arrival at Islamabad Airport
LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan Saturday said that the government had informed the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leadership about its strategy for coping with the threats of terrorism and providing security to the people upon the arrival of PAT chief Dr Tahirul Qadri at Islamabad Airport as he held the protection of life and property of Dr Qadri and his colleagues dear.
While addressing a press conference at 90 Shara-e-Quaid-e-Azam in Lahore, the minister said that upon the arrival of Dr Qadri in Pakistan, the government will act upon the existing standard operative procedures (SOPs) in accordance with the law.
The Punjab law minister said that Islamabad Airport was a sensitive place as it also held installations of Pakistan Air Force. Therefore, the present government has decided not to leave its citizens on the mercy of terrorists and would go to every extent for their protection, he added.
Khan said that those who wanted to create hindrances in the way of eliminating terrorism should think about the people of the country. He said that Pakistan could not afford derailing of democracy through the politics of protests and sit-ins.
“We have to tell the world that the Pakistani nation is united for elimination of terrorists.”
Moreover, commenting on the anti-Taliban military operation in tribal areas, Khan said, “This is a defining moment in history for Pakistan. The nation wants to ensure prosperity, peace and stability of the country by providing complete moral support to Pakistan Army in an operation against terrorists.”
The minister said that the government and the people would jointly identify those terrorists who have infiltrated the cities.