LAHORE: The Balochistan government has handed over a cheque of Rs 33.2 million to the Punjab government for the heirs of martyrs, and the injured of The Mall bomb blast. In this connection, a ceremony was held here on Monday in which the spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, delivered a cheque to Punjab government Spokesperson Malik Ahmed Khan. Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sumair Ahmed Syed also attended the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Anwaarul Haq Kakar said, “The martyrs of The Mall bomb blast sacrificed their lives for the protection of citizens. The Balochistan government and its people pay them a glowing tribute on sacrificing their precious lives for the protection of motherland and her inhabitants. The martyrs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh are not restricted to the provincial boundaries but they are the martyrs of the whole country.” Later, taking to the media, he said that the compensation was a token of love and care, which proves that Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular haven’t forgotten their services during the protection of motherland and her citizens. “They are ours and we will ceaselessly remember them and their services.” He added that the financial assistance for the victims of the terror attack was basically a message for terrorists that “we are united and we will chase them (terrorists) until their complete elimination”. Malik Ahmed Khan thanked the Balochistan government on the behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Punjab government. Lahore DC Sumair Ahmed Syed said that the compensation would be delivered to martyrs’ families and the injured of the incident within shortest possible time. It might be mentioned that that the Balochistan chief minister had earlier announced compensation for the heirs of martyrs and injured of The Mall bomb blast. On February 13, at least 13 people were killed and 85 injured when a suicide bomber struck a protest called by chemists and pharmaceutical manufacturers in front of the provincial assembly to protest a government crackdown against the sale of illegal drugs. There was a significant presence of law enforcers in the area while the protest was ongoing. The Jamat-ul-Ahrar had claimed responsibility for the attack. SSP (Operations) Zahid Gondal of Punjab Police and DIG Traffic Lahore Capt (r) Ahmad Mobin were among those killed in the attack. Published in Daily Times, July 4th , 2017.