Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed police and the prosecution department to ensure 100 percent facts-based investigation in the Kasur incident

Presiding over a meeting of cabinet’s sub-committee on law and order, the CM said that the joint investigation team (JIT) was working in a professional manner. “There should be no room for any mistake or negligence in the investigation. Best professional capabilities should be utilized for investigations,” he added.

“The case shocked the whole nation. It is a matter of concern for the whole nation and every person should fulfill its social responsibility to curb such happenings in future. The JIT should be approached if anybody has clues about Zainab murder case. Zainab is the daughter of the nation. Creation of any ambiguity about Zainab murder case is tantamount to effecting the investigation. Keeping in view the sensitive nature of the case, the media should fulfill its responsibilities. The arrest of the criminal was the result of hard work of investigation teams,” he said.

He said that record of State Bank, NADRA and other agencies would be solicited for the investigation of the case. “Asma of Mardan is also the daughter of the nation and we are very much upset over what has been done to her. The DNA tests in Asma case have been completed in the forensic lab. We are ready for further cooperation,” he said.

Provincial Minister Sardar Ayub Gadhi, Spokesman Punjab Government Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Adviser Rana Maqbool, the chief secretary, the inspector general police, the Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory DG, the Punjab advocate general, the additional advocate general and other officials attended the meeting. Provincial Minister Jehangir Khanzada from Attock and Director Banking and Regulations Department of State Bank Akhtar Javed participated in the meeting through video link.

AJK president:

Azad Kashmir President Masood Khan called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest, including the political situation, came under discussion. Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that incidents of unprovoked firing at the Line of Control by the Indian army and targeting of innocent civilians were highly condemnable. He said that international conscience was needed to be awakened about the worst cruelties committed by the occupied Indian armed forces against the unarmed Kashmiris. “The brutalities of the Indian armed forces cannot deprive the Kashmiris from their right of self determination for a long period. He said that ample funds were being provided for the programmes aimed at providing basic necessities of life to the people of Azad Kashmir. It is important that Punjab government has included all the federating units, including the Azad Kashmir, in its welfare programmes. President of Azad Kashmir Masood Khan said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had vigorously projected the Kashmir issue at every forum.

CM condoles:

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the sad demise of wife of Ghulam Muhammad Manika, former federal minister. In his condolence message, the chief minister prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

Published in Daily Times, January 27^th 2018.