Daily Times

LAHORE: British National Security Advisor Sir Mark Lyall Grant met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday.

Steps taken for improvement of security and law and order in Punjab were discussed in the meeting. Sir Mark Lyall Grant appreciated the steps taken by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for elimination of terrorism and extremism under National Action Plan. He said that provincial government has made effective legislation against extremism, which is yielding positive results. He assured that Britain would continue to cooperate with provincial government in this regard.

Talking to the national security advisor of Britain, Shahbaz Sharif said that peace, progress and prosperity of Punjab were top priority of the government. He said that in order to protect life and property of citizens and to root out terrorism and extremism, police and security agencies have been imparted modern training. “Punjab government has also set up counter-terrorism force, which is combating terrorists and extremists in an effective manner. The provincial government is implementing a comprehensive programme for capacity building of police and security institutions,” he added.

Shahbaz said that the biggest Safe City Project of South Asia has been launched in Lahore and this vital project would be extended to six big cities of the province. He said that Punjab government is fully benefiting from modern technology for security of cities.

The CM said that full attention is being paid to ensuring foolproof security for economic development and promotion of investment in the province, adding that police has been provided necessary facilities due to which important successes have been achieved with regard to elimination of terrorism and crime in the province.

Shahbaz said that officers of Pak Army, police and security institutions have rendered supreme sacrifices in the ongoing war against terrorism and due to joint efforts of political and military leadership measures for countering terrorism are proving successful. The chief minister said that terrorism is an international issue and collective efforts are needed for resolving this problem. He said that due to effective implementation of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan, Pakistan has become a peaceful and secure country.

The chief minister thanked Britain for cooperation in this regard and said that as a result of bilateral efforts for promotion of mutual contacts between Pakistan and Britain, the relations between the two countries are strengthening.

British High Commissioner Thomas Drew appreciated the efforts of Punjab government for progress and prosperity of the province and implementation of welfare projects. He especially commended legislation for elimination of terrorism and measures for women development and promotion of economic activities.

National Security Advisor Lt Gen (r) Nasir Khan Janjua, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Punjab chief secretary, inspector general and Taskforce for Information and Culture chairman were present on the occasion.