PESHAWAR, Dec 25: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz central leader and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged the country’s political leadership to formulate a strategy to counter terrorism and ensure the timely holding of general elections in the country.

He was speaking to reporters here at Bilour House after condoling railways minister Ghulam Ahmad Bilour over the death of his younger brother and senior Awami National Party leader, Bashir Ahmad Bilour, in the recent suicide bombing in the city.

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan accompanied the chief minister.

Mr Shahbaz condemned the killing of Bashir Bilour, sympathised with his family and prayed to Almighty Allah for resting the departed soul in eternal peace. He said the nation strongly backed the stand adopted by ANP against extremism and terrorism.

The chief minister said all political parties should sit together irrespective of their ideologies for decisions on how to restore peace, hold elections on time and resolve issues and challenges facing the country.

He said the elections should be held in line with the guidelines given by the Constitution.

Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Nasir said PML-N had played its due role against terrorism as a opposition and still its policy was very open to all.

He asked the government and security agencies to fully implement the resolutions unanimously adopted by parliament for restoration of peace in the country.

Mr Nisar said the holding of the general elections was a must for the future of the country.—Bureau Report