A meeting was held between Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Sadiq Ali and Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday.
During the meeting, steps taken under the National Action Plan for elimination of terrorism in Punjab were discussed and it was reiterated to eliminate completely terrorism, extremism and sectarianism.
The chief minister Punjab and Corps Commander Lahore paid rich tributes to the great sacrifices of martyr children of Army Public School Peshawar. Speaking on the occasion, Sharif said that children of APS Peshawar sacrificed their precious lives for a great cause. He said that 180million people of the country can never forget the everlasting sacrifices of these children. He said that due to the unprecedented sacrifices of these children, the entire nation is untied in the war against terrorism. He said that the blood of martyr children of APS is a debt over us and we will return this debt by completely eliminating terrorists from the motherland.
The chief minister said the Punjab government is observing Martyrs Week for paying homage to the great sacrifices of martyr children and teachers of APS Peshawar and the entire nation salutes martyrs of December 16. He paid tributes to the great sacrifices of officers and jawans of Pak Army and police officials in the war against terrorism. He said the martyrs have written glorious chapters of courage and valour for establishing peace in the country and the entire nation is proud of unprecedented sacrifices of martyrs.
Sharif said that the whole nation is standing by the Pak Army in the war against terrorism and Pak Army has weakened the terrorists through operation Zarb-e-Azb. He vowed that every sacrifice would be rendered for making Pakistan a safe and peaceful country. He said that the great sacrifices of martyrs would not go waste. He said that political and military leadership of Pakistan is marching forward together in the war against terrorism.
Meanwhile, the chief minister also presided over a high-level meeting which reviewed the pace of progress on the steps taken for tree plantation and promotion of horticulture.
The meeting gave approval to construct forest parks at three different sites in provincial metropolis.
Addressing the meeting, Sharif said that a solid strategy has been evolved for the promotion of tree plantation and horticulture in the province. He said the development projects are being made attractive and beautiful through horticulture throughout the province which will enhance beauty of the cities. The chief minister directed that the work for improving recreational facilities and rehabilitation of parks should be accelerated. He said that all institutions concerned should work in a coordinated manner for beautification of the cities through horticulture and tree plantation.
Sharif directed to constitute a Steering Committee which will be autonomous and take steps for the promotion of tree plantation and horticulture. He said the committee will also ensure timely completion of the projects relating to horticulture, tree plantation, landscaping and rehabilitation of parks. He said the Punjab government will also develop parks at railway areas but looking after of these parks will be the responsibility of railway authorities.
The chief minister said that encroachments not only effect beauty of the cities but also create traffic problems. Therefore, officials concerned should evolve a comprehensive plan with mutual consultation for removing encroachments on permanent basis, he added.
Sharif directed that laws should be implemented for ensuring provision of facilities in housing schemes. He said that a comprehensive plan with regard to setting up of picnic points and promotion of horticulture from Dharampura to Wahga Border be submitted within two weeks. He said that pollution problem can be overcome and beautification of the cities increased through promotion of horticulture. He said that work should be speeded up for making walls and surrounding areas of flyovers and underpasses attractive through horticulture.
