- Apex committee meeting imposes ban on Zakat and Fitra collection by proscribed organisations
The Punjab Apex Committee has decided to launch a crackdown against abettors and financiers of terrorists and extremists in the province.
The provincial Apex Committee, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, vowed to completely eliminate terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from Punjab. It also expressed satisfaction over security measures adopted to counter terrorism.
The meeting also agreed to further expedite the implementation of the National Action Plan.
It also imposed ban on collection of Zakat and Fitra by proscribed outfits in the province.
Addressing the meeting, Shahbaz Sharif said that National Action Plan reflects the national determination for elimination of terrorism. He said that federal and provincial governments are taking action under National Action Plan with complete coordination and the whole nation has decided to eliminate terrorism. He said that successful operation of Pak army against terrorists, Operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing with full force and the enemies of the country are being brought to their logical end through Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He said that Pak army has written a new history of courage and bravery in the war against terrorism. He said that besides officers and jawans of Pak army, police, security institutions, all segments of the society including children have rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the war against terrorism is the war for the survival of the country and the whole nation is standing shoulder to shoulder with Pak army. He said that this war will continue till elimination of every terrorist from the country and the country will be rid of terrorists and the war against terrorism will be brought to its logical end. He said that terrorists and their facilitators will find no place to hide in Pakistan. The CM said that the Punjab government has taken effective measures under the National Action Plan for the elimination of terrorism. He said that Counter Terrorism Force has been set up in the province and it has been imparted modern training. He said that the ban on wall chalking, use of loudspeakers, provocative speeches and publication and distribution of literature based on religious hatred is being strictly implemented and punishments has been increased for these offences through carrying out legislation.
Corps Commander Lahore Lt. Gen. Naveed Zaman said that indiscriminate action against network of terrorists, their facilitators and those providing them financial assistance will be continued. A detailed briefing was also given to the meeting regarding the steps taken in the province under National Action Plan against terrorism.
