We want minorities to lead their lives in harmony: PM Nawaz

Says governments has been given directions to take all steps necessary for maintaining law and order

ISLAMABAD: Deploring the Lahore church attacks, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the government want minorities to live in harmony in the country.

“Minorities are an important segment of Pakistan's multi-ethnic society that has contributed immensely towards the country's progress,” the premier said on Tuesday.

Read: 14 dead, 75 injured in attack on Lahore’s Christian community

Nawaz claimed the government wants minorities to lead their lives in harmony and peace.

At least 16 people were killed on Sunday as Taliban suicide bombers attacked two churches in Lahore.

The attacks were followed by protests as an enraged mob began smashing up shops and attacking vehicles.

Read: One killed, 12 injured as Christians protest countrywide over deadly church attacks

Regarding the protests, Nawaz said, “Governments have been given directions to take all steps necessary for maintaining law and order.”

Development projects

Shifting his focus to development projects, Nawaz said, “A network of roads is being constructed to facilitate linkages between various parts of the country.”

“The projects would bring people closer to each other, besides promoting businesses and creating better employment opportunities,” he said, while speaking to Federal Minister for Industries Ghulam Murtaza Jatoi and Adviser to the Prime Minister Amir Muqam.

“The energy problem is being tackled with an effective strategy so that more power is added to the national grid as early as possible to provide the people with maximum relief.”

Jatoi briefed the premier about the working of his ministry and the steps being taken to promote the industrial sector in the country.

Senior Vice President PML-N Sindh Syed Shah Muhammad Shah was also present during this meeting. The premier gave in-principle approval of connecting Battal, Ugi and Shangla with a motorway.