ISLAMABAD, Oct 13: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Monday directed the provincial governments to implement the Anti-Terrorist Act (ATA) and Police Order-2002 in letter and in spirit to overcome the current wave of terrorism and sectarian killings.

He was presiding over a meeting at the PM secretariat to review the overall law and order situation in the country with specific reference to the assassination of Maulana Azam Tariq, MNA.

The prime minister directed the officials concerned to complete investigation into the Maulana Azam Tariq murder case as soon as possible, apprehend the killers and award them severe punishment. “No negligence will be tolerated in this regard,” the prime minister said.

Mr Jamali expressed his government’s firm resolve to fight terrorism, sectarianism and religious extremism in the country to ensure protection of life and property of the citizens.

“Safeguarding the lives and property of the people is the fundamental responsibility of the government, which it would fulfil at all costs,” he vowed.

The prime minister urged the people to put up a determined resistance to the menace of terrorism and support the government in its efforts at controlling it.

He urged the people to maintain unity in their ranks and promote the culture of tolerance and accommodation to foil the nefarious designs of terrorists.

The prime minister said there will be no let-up in “our determination” to combat terrorism, and that the war against the scourge will be waged with all seriousness.

“I believe that an overwhelming majority of the people are tolerant who staunchly believe in sectarian harmony,” he said.

He ordered that the Islamabad police be restructured, strengthened and modernized so that it could undertake all the future challenges.

The meeting stressed the need for adopting a workable and scientific approach to smash the terrorist networks. It decided to further improve coordination between various law enforcing agencies for achieving better results.

The prime minister took serious note of lack of implementation of Police Order-2002 despite the Sept 30 deadline set for the purpose. He directed the provincial governments to follow the directives of federal interior ministry to maintain peace.

He also expressed dissatisfaction over postings and transfers on a large scale against merit in the provincial police departments.