LAHORE: The nation is grieved over the Youhanabad tragedy and the incident of burning two people to death is highly deplorable.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said at a meeting on Friday which reviewed the law and order situation and the tragic incidents that took place in Youhanabad.

The chief minister said the elements involved in these tragic incidents would be brought to the law. He said Pakistan was in a state of war and the situation demanded emergent measures.

He said improvement of intelligence system was of vital importance and the need for activating and capacity-building of special branch was more than ever.

The meeting also decided to take immediate measures to harmonise special branch with the demands of the modern age as well as build its capacity, says a handout.

The chief minister directed that training of intelligence officers on modern lines be arranged and a practicable project for the reorganization of special branch be presented to him.

He said the Punjab government had set up a counter terrorism force and its second batch would soon pass out. Mr Sharif approved the service structure for the speedy promotion of corporals on the basis of their efficiency.

The meeting also decided to set up a separate state-of-the art intelligence school for counter terrorism department.

The chief minister directed that the standard of the school be even better than those of developed countries.

Provincial ministers retired Col Shuja Khanzada and Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, MNA Hamza Shahbaz, MPAs Rana Sanaullah and Zaeem Qadri and Special Assistant Rana Maqbool were present.

Published in Dawn March 21st , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play