Political fascism taking form of terror, says Maryam

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that political fascism has also taken the form of terrorism

She was chairing a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee to work out an effective strategy for the protection of Chinese nationals working on CPEC and other development projects and checking smuggling. ”We must use all resources at our disposal to ensure foolproof security of Chinese experts working on CPEC and other development projects in Punjab," the chief minister said.

She highlighted, "We all are on the same page to face the challenge of terrorism, which has become a very complex warfare now.“

She said the world recognised the usefulness of the National Action Plan but "it has to be upgraded and made more effective after removing the existing loopholes".

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, "Terrorism has got different manifestations. Ending religious extremism and terrorism is a bigger challenge.”

Also read: Nawaz not bowing out of politics: Maryam

She added, ”Political fascism has also taken the form of terrorism.”/The whole world saw the results of political terrorism on May 9. A so-called political party did what the banned TTP could not do, she added.

She said that as a politician, despite going through bad situations and difficulties, she never even thought of an incident like May 9.

She added, "Investors are reluctant to invest due to the uncertainty and volatility created by May 9 incidents.” She declared eradication of terrorism essential for the economic recovery and national prosperity."

The chief minister informed the Apex Committee that it has been decided to set up checkpoints operational round the clock on the provincial borders to check terrorism and smuggling.

Read: Terrorism to end if Kabul shuts TTP havens: Asif

She said, "We cannot keep the roads open for terrorists and smugglers.“

The chief minister highlighted the need to offer a viable solution against brainwashing the youth through social media.

She said, "A bill is being enacted to protect national interests on social media. The establishment of special speedy trial courts is also being mulled over to try crimes against women and children, electricity theft and environmental pollution.”

Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Syed Amir Raza acknowledged, ”Punjab is also facing another challenge of illegally residing foreigners.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2024.