Govt-TLP dialogue to yield positive result: Sarwar

Voices hope both sides will show responsible attitude

LAHORE:

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has indicated that dialogue between the government and the banned outfit is expected to yield positive result.

Speaking to the media persons after inaugurating art exhibition at Alhamra Art Gallery on Saturday, Sarwar said dialogue was being held between the federal government and the representatives of banned religious outfit.

“People from both sides were very responsible and I am hopeful that the dialogue would remain fruitful,” he added.

As far as the demands of banned outfit were concerned, he said, all of their demands could not be accepted. Some of the demands could be agreed upon while some could not be accepted.

Protection of lives and property of people is the top priority of the government. Police and all other departments concerned are playing their role for this, he disclosed.

He said the government does not want confrontation with anyone. Politics of confrontation is not in the national interest. “The government is tackling multiple challenges, including economic and others. All Pakistanis should keep national interest supreme.”

Sarwar said no foreign investor shows interest to invest in any country until the law and order situation is satisfactory. “Sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation against terrorism are unprecedented. Maintenance of law and order is imperative for the economic development and stability of the country,” he added.

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The governor, during his visit to the art exhibition said Pakistan has got the best talent in the world. He appreciated the calligraphy paintings made by Farzana Waqas.

He said it is the responsibility of the government and all concerned to promote such artists who bring honour to the country through their work. In his concluding remarks, he said that art and culture is the identity of any country and it should be promoted.

Meanwhile, presiding over a high-level meeting to review the law-and-order situation in the province Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar directed officials concerned to take all possible measures for safeguarding the life and property of the people as it is the topmost responsibility of the state.

The chief minister warned that its policy of tolerance should not be considered the weakness. “Our religion gives us a lesson of peace as there is no room of torturous and violent behaviour in it. The government will fulfil its responsibility to maintain the law-and-order situation in the province.

He gave necessary instructions to the concerned authorities for keeping the law-and-order situation normal. Provincial Minister Prosecution Chaudhry Zaheeruddin, SACM for Information Hasaan Khawar, Chief Secretary, IG Police, Additional Chief Secretary Home, Principal Secretary to CM and concerned officials were present on this occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2021.