Punjab: Rapid Response Force to counter terrorism, says Shahbaz

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Punjab CM says effective measures taken to deal with terrorists

Staff Report

LAHORE: In addition to the Counter-Terrorism Force, the Rapid Response Force is also being established to counter terrorism, Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday.
He said this while presiding over a meeting to review law and order in the province at the CM’s Secretariat. The CM said the government gave top priority to law and order and maximum resources were being used for this. The CM said the government had ensured close coordination between law enforcement agencies to cope with any untoward incident.
Effective measures: He said effective measures were being taken to deal with the terrorists and a policy devised for this purpose was being properly implemented. He said the capacity building of the law enforcement agencies was in national interest, adding that special funds had been allocated for this in the provincial budget.
He said competent instructors had been deputed at police training schools. He said people’s cooperation with law enforcement agencies was essential for maintaining peace. He said peace was a pre-requisite for rapid development and economic growth and hence the government had given top priority to good governance and law and order.
Shahbaz said an effective intelligence system was essential for dealing with terrorists and the agencies concerned should use all resources to that end.
Resource generation: Separately, the CM said the committee set up for generating resources for development projects should consider all options and file its recommendations within seven days.
He said the government wanted rapid development of the province by providing basic amenities to the people and promoting economic activities.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg7_27