*CM says Zarb-e-Azb writing new history of courage and valour
The dream of progress and prosperity cannot be realised without elimination of terrorism and maintenance of peace, said Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif while talking to a delegation of overseas Pakistanis in London on Friday.
Shahbaz said that the Pakistan Army is writing a new history of courage and valour for purging the country of terrorism and maintenance of peace.
He said that the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation is yielding glorious results and the day is not far when Pakistan will become a haven of harmony and tranquillity.
He said that terrorism and extremism have also affected economic and trade activities and national economy has suffered a heavy loss. He said that thousands of Pakistanis have laid down their lives in the war against terrorism which include officers of armed forces, police, security institutions as well as ordinary citizens.
The CM said that it is highly lamentable that while the armed forces are fighting against terrorism, some elements are engaged in negative politics at this critical juncture of the national history for achieving their personal agendas and have involved the people in meaningless sit-ins.
He said that he believes that the elements staging sit-ins should display maturity and wisdom at this stage in the larger interest of the country.
He said that side by side with the operation to rid the country of terrorism, promotion of economic and trade activities, equitable distribution of resources and provision of basic amenities to the deprived segments of the society is essential.
Therefore, the government has taken effective steps in this regard and is implementing revolutionary programmes for bringing the deprived people into mainstream of development.
GOVERNMENT TAKING STEPS TO PROVICE EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
The CM further said that Danish school system is playing an important role in the provision of quality education free of cost to the children of the poorest of the poor families of South Punjab.
Moreover, he said, scholarships are being given to poor but talented students through Punjab Educational Endowment Fund for continuing their higher studies.
He said that youth are a precious asset of the country and Punjab government has started a number of programmes for their empowerment.
He said that a programme has been evolved for the provision of vehicles on soft terms to the unemployed youth under Apna Rozgar Scheme.
He said that a corruption-free culture and merit has been promoted in the province. He said that like other programmes, Apna Rozgar Scheme will also be implemented in a highly transparent manner and merit will be ensured at every level.