Drone attacks: Punjab chief minister threatens long march

Sharif says the attacks are a point of deep concern.

BAHAWALPUR:

Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned the ongoing drone attacks in the country carried out by US forces.

Sharif made the remarks about the attacks at the inauguration ceremony of the Danish school system near Chistian, around
150 kilometres from Bahawalpur.

He further noted that the attacks were a point of deep concern and if needed, a long March would be carried out to protest and stop these attacks. He expressed deep grief and sorrow over the killing of innocent people in drone attacks.

Addressing the ceremony, he said that the Punjab Government was committed to provide quality education to the youth and the Danish School System would
enable poverty stricken children to avail education free of cost.

The chief minister further announced plans for seven more Danish Schools to be set up in Punjab in phases during the next fiscal year. He claimed that poverty stricken children would be given priority in admissions and that deserving children of other provinces, including Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), would also allowed into these schools.

The chief minister believed the Danish school system would help reduce illiteracy, militancy and unemployment in the region.

Sharif directed teachers of the new system to perform their duties and impart quality education to the students. He also advised the students to work hard in their studies to ensure better futures
for themselves and the country.

He further added that the Danish School System would help to reduce illiteracy, Militancy and unemployment in the south Punjab.

The estimated cost of the Danish school is around Rs800 million. The school has been built on 500 acres of land with separate sections for boys and girls.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th,  2011.