Opposing voice: Govt slammed over terrorism response

LAHORE: The Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) on Sunday criticised the Punjab government and the lawmakers. In a statement, the party raised several questions about the government’s performance. “Why is the issue of terrorism not being discussed at the Punjab Assembly? Why has Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif not given a policy statement on the floor of house about terrorism? Why are most of the lawmakers absent from the assembly session, which had to be adjourned due to a lack of quorum? Why has the Punjab Assembly not adopted a resolution declaring war against terrorism Pakistan’s war?” asked the party. “Rana Mashhood has given a statement on behalf of chief minister that they are forming a youth force against terrorism. Does this mean the government is forming private armed groups?” the party asked. The party also criticised the Punjab government over the lack of basic facilities at public schools across the province. PAT general secretary Khurram Nawaz Gandapur said that the government sounded indecisive regarding terrorism. “The chief minister must confront the challenge,” Gandapur said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2014.