Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the steps taken to recover the missing children.

He said this while chairing a meeting of steering committee on missing children and said that efforts in this regard should be continued in a professional manner. He said the prompt and effective steps taken by the Punjab government – that achieved positive results – are commendable.

Shahbaz directed the prosecution department to actively perform its duties for early disposal of cases and legislation should be made for declaring crime against children a ‘non-bailable offence’. The chief minister said that a plan should be evolved for enrolment of ‘beggar children’ and effective steps taken for their welfare and rehabilitation. He further said that children’s destiny is not beggary and they should be made useful citizens.

The meeting was informed that 18 children have been returned to their homes or have being recovered during the last six days. Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Rana Maqbool Ahmed, MPA Jahangir Khanzada, chief secretary, advocate general Punjab, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau chairperson, MPA Saba Sadiq, inspector general Police, secretary Home, senior police officers besides officers concerned were present.