LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has denounced the suicide attack on a census team near Manawala Chowk, Bedian Road, and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.
The chief minister ordered a probe into the incident and sought a report from Punjab inspector general of police. He also directed authorities concerned to arrest those who attacked the census team.
Shahbaz ordered best medical treatment for the injured. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families of those martyred in the attack. He said that offenders involved in the lethal incident would be held accountable.
He said that sacrifices of martyrs would not go waste. He said that entire nation was united against the terrorists. The people of Pakistan share the grief of the martyrs’ families equally, he added.
The chief minister along with other dignitaries attended the funeral prayer of martyred soldiers at the PAF airbase. Paying tribute to martyrs, the chief minister said, “Those who have sacrificed their lives while maintaining peace in the country are our heroes and the nation is proud of them.”
Meanwhile, Uzbek Ambassador to Pakistan Furqat Sidiqov called on the chief minister on Wednesday.
Matters pertaining of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. The ambassador said, “We are seeking to extend cooperation in different fields with Pakistan, especially Punjab.” He also condemned that Lahore blast.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that radicalism and terrorism were global issues and joint efforts at international level were needed to combat the menace. He vowed to promote trade and industrial relations with Uzbekistan. “Uzbekistan is best market for export of fruits and we will take steps to export fruit to Uzbek brothers,” he added.
He said that a delegation of the Punjab government would soon visit Uzbekistan to enhance cooperation in agriculture, cotton and other fields.
Planning and Development Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran, Planning and Development chairman Punjab Investment Board chief executive officer were present at the meeting.
