News
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
‘Tough’ decisions on Balochistan on 20th, Senate told* Nisar says meeting of all departments and civil armed forces has been called on 20th to devise new plan to tackle security challenges
By Ijaz Kakakhel
ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of parliament was informed on Monday that a high-level meeting over law and order situation has been called on June 20 in which tough decisions will be taken to ensure peace across the country, particularly Balochistan.
Updating the senators, Federal Minister for Interior Chauhdry Nisar Ali Khan said the country is confronting serious law and order challenges and a single party could not address them and urged coordination between the government and law enforcement agencies. He said the government of the Pakistan Muslim League-N wanted to set a new precedent by taking on board all parliamentary parties on vital decisions and he would keep them informed on issues of law and order in the country.
On the investigation of terrorist incidents in Ziarat and Quetta which he visited on Sunday, Nisar said that under the directions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a sound security plan would be framed so that all the challenges with regards to security are met effectively and peace is established. The minister said that for the formation of the new policy he has called a meeting of all attached departments and civil armed forces in the federal capital on June 20, adding that the House would also be taken into confidence on all steps and he would continue to take guidance from the House for course correction.
Nisar said a joint investigation team (JIT) has been constituted to probe the recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and all the facts would be brought before the nation. The government would thoroughly investigate the incidents of Bolan Medical College, Quetta and Quaid-e-Azam Residency in Ziarat so that those responsible for the terrorist activities could be taken to task.
The interior minister said the causes and responsibility of the heinous acts in Balochistan would only be ascertained after completion of inquiry by the JIT, which is headed by a deputy inspector general of police. He assured that each and every development with regard to the investigations would be shared with the House. About the damage to Quaid’s residency in Ziarat, the minister said its concrete structure was safe but the wood structure has been damaged by fire. He said a team of experts has already reached Ziarat for repair of the residency which, he hoped, would be completed within three or four months. He said the photographs and other belongings of Quaid-e-Azam kept in the museum are also safe.
Nisar said the federal government wanted to take responsibility of national monuments and other cultural sites in the country and in this regard he would soon visit provinces for talks with provincial authorities for the safety and preservation of these sites. The minister said the government would ensure all possible support to the provinces and adopt measures in consultation with the provinces to thwart incidents like that of Ziarat in the future. He said the federal government would extend all-out support and cooperation when a requisition is made for federal security forces by a province.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk