PML-N mulls action in South Punjab

LAHORE: The senior leadership of the PML-N discussed the possibility of an operation in south Punjab during a meeting in Raiwind here on Monday.

PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif presided over a party meeting to discuss the federal budget for the financial year 2010-11 presented in the National Assembly.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shabaz Sharif, the PML-N leadership discussed the increase in incidents of terrorism in the Punjab.

Shabaz Sharif briefed the meeting on the worsening law and order situation in the province after the attack on Ahmadiya places of worship last month.

Sharif told party members that in recent terror incidents, several leads pointed to terrorist connections in Southern Punjab.

Nawaz said the situation called for a review of the Punjab’s security policy, and strict vigilance of extremist elements in the province.

Discussing the budget, Nawaz said the federal budget 2010-11 will impose more financial burdens on poor segments of society, adding to their economic difficulties.

Criticising the budget, Nawaz said the government had taken no positive steps for the revival of the economy. The strategy that adopted in the budget, to meet a large deficit through loans will prove to be disastrous for the national economy, he added.

Nawaz was of the opinion that the economy could be improved through ensuring more ‘self-reliance’ and less debt.

“We can generate new opportunities for employment and alleviate poverty through inexpensive energy resources,” he said.

He directed the chief minister to make the Punjab budget ‘people-friendly’ in real terms. He also asked Shabaz to investigate recent incidents of terrorism thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The meeting was also attended by the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, senator Ishaq Dar, former finance minister Sartaj Aziz, Khawaja Asif and others.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 8th, 2010.