ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday strongly condemned the suicide blast that occurred at Charing Cross in Lahore, and reaffirmed commitment to end terrorism from the Country at all costs.
“Terrorism isn’t a novelty for us. Our story has been one of constant struggle against its grasp, and a fight for the soul of Pakistan,” the prime minister said in a message.
Earlier, a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Punjab assembly when a protest was underway. Resultantly, 16 people including senior police officers were martyred while 73 others injured.
“We have fought this fight against the terrorists among us, and will continue to fight it until we liberate our people of this cancer, and avenge those who have laid down their lives for us,” the prime minister said.
The prime minister said that this is not only a responsibility of this administration but also a solemn pledge to the people of this country.
“We will not stop until we can call ourselves a free and secure people; that is a promise,” he said.
The Lahore suicide blast also caused martyrdom of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Lahore Captain (retd) Ahmed Mubeen and acting DIG Operation Punjab Police Zahid Akram Gondal.
“Today, tragedy has struck Lahore. Alongside innocent civilians, we have lost two of our own brave Police officers Captain Mubeen and Zahid Gondal,” the prime minister said.
While paying rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by both police officers, Nawaz Sharif said that they were good men who died serving and protecting the people of this great country.
“They will be vindicated in our constant struggle for peace and security, and honored as martyrs, the bravest and finest of men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their people,” the prime minister said.
