ISLAMABAD: Civil society activists and people from various walks of life held a protest outside the National Press Club on Monday against the Sehwan Sharif terror attack and the other incidents in the country.

The participants of the protest held on the call of Quaidian Sindh Forum (QSF) demanded implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) to eradicate terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, rights activist Farzana Bari said a number of incidents had taken place in the past but serious steps could not be taken to control the menace of terrorism.

“Security should be beefed up to ensure that such incidents are not repeated anywhere in the country,” she said.

Social activist Jami Chandio said the protest was held to condemn terrorist attacks across the country and the participants wanted a policy to eradicate terrorism for good.

“NAP was made because of terrorism but unfortunately it could not be implemented in letter and spirit. We will support the government if it starts an operation to clean the country of extremists,” he said.

Mr Jami said the role of parliament and parliamentarians was very important in the maintenance of peace.

Faculty member of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Dr Saeed Rid said there was a need to educate citizens about the elements who were using innocent people for terrorism.

QSF coordinator Nisar Ahmed said after the Sehwan Sharif attack the forum, consisting of those who belonged to Sindh and completed their education from QAU, decided to hold the protest to show solidarity with the families of the terror victims.

“There should be proper security arrangements at every shrine as tombs of Sufis are being attacked,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2017