Pattern of attacks worries Shehbaz Sharif

Meeting discusses intelligence-based operations in Punjab

LAHORE: The Counter Terrorism Department has been ordered to investigate the second suicide blast that took place in close proximity to the Punjab Chief Minister’s movement, The Express Tribune has learnt.

During the Provincial Cabinet Committee on Law and Order meeting, it was disclosed that the blast took place very close to the official residence of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif. It was revealed that the chief minister was about to leave when the blast occurred.

This is the second suicide blast that took place minutes before Shehbaz’s scheduled movement. The earlier suicide blast on Chairing Cross Mall Road took place just metres away from the CM’s office at 90 Shahra, where he was scheduled to arrive for an official meeting with newly elected chairmen of the local government.



The Chief Minister, who is said to be under serious threats, has instructed CTD to investigate the matter.



During the meeting, the CM was presented with the initial report of the blast. He was informed that the suicide bomber wanted to target police at the check post. The meeting discussed that threat alerts that had been issued over the past three months, indicating a possible terrorist attack. The meeting also discussed intelligence-based operations conducted in Lahore and the rest of the province.

Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz said that a very serious incident of terrorism occurred in Lahore where police officials and citizens were targeted.

“The terrible incident has left the whole nation in a state of grief,” he said.

“The martyred police officials and citizens are heroes of the nation and their sacrifices will not go to waste. The entire nation salutes those sacrificing their lives for peace of the country.”

Shehbaz said families of martyrs and their children would be fully looked after. He directed authorities to take effective steps to safeguard the lives and property of the people. The chief minister also directed authorities to strictly monitor entry and exit points of the provincial capital.



“The enemy is conspiring against peace and we have to foil its nefarious designs with the force of unity,” Shehbaz said.



Provincial Ministers Rana Sanaullah, Lt-Col (retd) Ayyub Gadhi, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir, chief secretary, additional chief secretary home, IGP and other senior officials of the civil law enforcement agencies were present on the occasion.

The chief minister also announced Rs2 million for civilians who lost their lives in the incident, Rs1 million for the seriously injured.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2017.