Law is supreme: Victims of Model Town unrest will get justice says CM

Shahbaz says those cashing in on tragedy are shedding crocodile tears.

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday said those responsible for Tuesday’s mayhem in Model Town would be brought to book.

“I will make sure that the bereaved families receive justice,” the chief minister told assembly members.

He said he was aggrieved and shocked over the incident in which 12 people were killed and at least 80 injured. He said a judicial commission had been formed to investigate the riots.

He said people would be informed about the commission’s findings. No efforts would be spared to provide justice to the aggrieved families, he said.

“I am answerable to God and the people of the province. I won’t tolerate any negligence in dispensing justice,” Sharif said.

He said those cashing in on the tragedy would not succeed in their nefarious designs. “People are well aware of our performance. They know who is delivering and who is not,” he said.

Sharif said those blaming him for the clashes outside the Minhajul Quran secretariat were shedding crocodile tears. He said his performance in the past was witness to the fact that he had never partaken in politics of violence.

Commenting on the ongoing military offensive in South Waziristan, the chief minister said the armed forces were fighting for the survival of the country.

He said the nation was proud of their sacrifices.

“Every citizen – child, youth and the elderly – is praying for the success of the army. The army has set glorious examples of courage and bravery in every moment of trial.”

Separately, while talking to representatives of print and electronic media in China, the chief minister said strong friendship between Pakistan and China had evolved into a relationship beneficial to both economies.

He said greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries was bringing people on both sides closer.

Sharif said Pakistan-China friendship had withstood the test of time. He said the Chinese government and people had always supported Pakistan and its people on various fronts.

“Pakistan-China friendship is higher than Himalayas, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel. We are proud of our everlasting friendship with China.”

Sharif said China had announced an investment package of $32 billion for Pakistan spanning seven years.

“This package is an excellent gift from China for the people of Pakistan. It is our responsibility to fully benefit from this assistance,” he said.

The chief minister said the country was facing a number of challenges, including energy crisis that had affected the industrial growth. He said promotion of the industry was must to create more job opportunities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2014.