LAHORE: The Civil Society Network has welcomed the decision to deploy paramilitary forces in Punjab “Given the current situation, it’s a wise decision but it’s too late,” said Civil Society Network President Abdullah Malik. “It was our longstanding demand that government must implement the National Action Plan (NAP) in its true letter and spirit to launch an operation against terrorists their supporters and financers through Rangers in Punjab but the provincial government was reluctant to allow paramilitary forces to start an operation in the province,” he said. He added that the Civil Society Network had also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking implementation of the NAP and that March 1 had been fixed the next date for hearing. He said that terrorists had waged a war against Pakistan and they were not attacking any particular party or place but killing innocent citizens across the country. “Following the recent spate of terror attacks, it has become evident that terrorists have their facilitators and financiers in Punjab,” he said, adding: “We all must stand against terrorism and against hate speeches to save the country because the recent wave of terrorism has put a question mark on the performance of law enforcement agencies.” He also appealed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to start a result-oriented operation against the enemies of Pakistan. “The whole nation stands by their armed forces and pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives to save the motherland.” He also requested the people to support police, Rangers and intelligence agencies for elimination of terrorism. “People must keep an eye on those elements that are supporting enemies of the country,” he concluded. According to reports, Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar has officially granted permission to empower Rangers in Punjab. The permission was given after decision of apex committee, reports stated. The powers have been given for 60 days under the Anti-Terrorism Act.