‘People who helped blast victims are our heroes’

Shahbaz pays tribute to those who helped save Gulshan-i-Iqbal blast victims.

LAHORE:

The people who helped save many of the victims of Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park tragedy are the heroes of the nation, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday.

He was addressing an event held to acknowledge the services rendered by the administration, police, doctors, paramedical staff and nurses in the wake of the Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park suicide attack.

Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Bilal Yasin, Adviser to CM on Health Khawaja Salman Rafiq, the chief secretary and the IGP were present.



“The spirit shown by the administration, police, doctors, surgeons, physicians, nurses, political workers and other citizens in saving the lives of the injured is highly commendable. This spirit strengthens nations and societies. There is a need for dedication to resolve the problems of terrorism and extremism and make Pakistan a peaceful and strong country. The humanitarian spirit shown after the Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park tragedy can help improve our image in the comity of nations,” the chief minister said.

The CM said that the ceremony had been arranged to pay a tribute to everyone who had tried to save the lives of those injured in the terrorist attack. “Salman Rafiq and his team worked with passion and diligence. Due to the hard work and dutifulness of doctors, nurses and rescuers, a number of precious lives were saved. The people who have been saved and their families will continue to pray for these brave individuals. Such moments of crisis transform nations. The Pakistani nation has also risen up, and terrorists will be wiped out through collective efforts,” the CM said.

Law and order

The chief minister presided over a meeting to review security arrangements at public places. The chief minister directed officials to improve security arrangements. “A comprehensive system should be evolved for the monitoring of officials on duty. Senior officers should personally review the efficiency of security personnel deputed at important places,” he said. Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Tanvir Aslam Malik, the chief secretary and the IGP were present at the meeting.



US consul general

US Consul General Zachary Harkenrider met Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday. He condemned the Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park attack and expressed grief over the loss of human lives. He also sympathised with the bereaved families. “We are with the Punjab government and its people in this hour of distress. The US supports Pakistan in its efforts to eliminate terrorism,” he said.

The chief minister said that the Pakistani nation was determined to eliminate terrorism. “All countries should take effective steps to overcome terrorism. The brutal killers are the enemies of the whole world and no effort will be spared for foiling their nefarious designs,” the CM said.

The chief minister said that peace would be restored to Pakistan through the force of unity and collective wisdom.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2016.