ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over acts of vandalism at religious sites belonging to different faiths in Sindh and directed concerned authorities to hold inquiry into the matter.
Speaking to Parliamentarians from Sindh at the Prime Minister House, he said that the federal government would undertake rehabilitation of religious sites that were damaged.
The notice was taken after dozens of protesters from the Sikh community pushed past the front gate and entered the grounds of the Parliament building in Islamabad last week, protesting attacks on their houses of worship.
Earlier this week, the Pakistan Sikh Council had warned the government that the community will launch a countrywide protest movement if all the culprits who had desecrated their holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, are not arrested by May 31.
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The prime minister, during today’s meeting, also directed to establish a dedicated cell at the Prime Minister Office for Sindh affairs. He also said that the position of provincial party leader and other vacant provincial party posts would be filled soon.
“Our party is engaged in politics of reconciliation and strengthening democracy, said Sharif.
Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Minister of State for Railways Abdul Hakeem Baloch and Senator Mushahidullah Khan were also present in the meeting.
The Parliamentarians apprised the premier about development issues of their respective constituencies and lauded the progress in Karachi operation. They also felicitated him on his successful visit to India.
“We have always respected mandate of other parties and expect the same from them,” said the prime minister. He said that it was his commitment to the people of Sindh that law and order situation would improve.
“Bringing back normalcy in Karachi is my priority as it is the economic hub of Pakistan,” said Prime Minister Sharif.
He further said that majority of mega-development projects like Karachi-Lahore Motorway, Thar Coal Power Project, Jamshoro Power Plant, Gaddani Power Park, Port Qasim Power Plant and Karachi Circular Railway would not only be a source of economic prosperity, but would also create millions of employment opportunities for locals.
The delegation included, Amir Bakhsh Bhutto, Marvi Memon, Shah Muhammad Shah, Ismail Rahu, Imdad Hussain Chandio, Zain Magsi, Dr Rahila Gul Magsi, Saleem Zia, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Aslam Abro, Ghulam Mustafa, Munawar Raza, Haji Hanif Memon, Asghar Rind, Ayaz Ali Sheerazi, Dr Darshan Panchi, Bhawan Das, Dr Ramesh Lal, Irfanullah Khan Marwat, Humayoun Khan, Haji Shafi Jamoot, Mrs Soreth Thebo, Shah Hussain Shah Sherazi, Ejaz Shah Sherazi, Ameer Haider Sherazi, Aqil Jatoi, Masroor Jatoi and Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim.
