LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is in a state of war and the armed forces are fighting for the survival of the country.
The nation salutes those who are rendering supreme sacrifices for peace and securing the future of the country and the officers and jawans embracing martyrdom in the war against terrorism are heroes of the nation, the chief minister said this while presiding over a meeting to review law and order situation, on Friday.
“The present situation demands emergent measures therefore all out steps will be taken for the protection of life and property of the masses. Maximum resources will be provided for improving law and order in the province,” he held.
Chief Minister issued special instructions for making foolproof security arrangements on the day of martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA) and directed that law enforcement agencies should remain fully alert and maintain close mutual coordination for the safety of the citizens and maintenance of a peaceful atmosphere.
Shahbaz Sharif said that nothing could be more important than maintenance of law and order and necessary resources would continue to be provided for this purpose in future as well. He said that country was passing through a critical phase of its history and collective efforts were needed to control lawlessness and ensure a safe and prosperous future for the coming generation.
“The current situation demands that no effort be spared by the law enforcement agencies in performing their duties in an efficient manner,” he added. Shahbaz Sharif ordered close monitoring of the processions on the martyrdom day of Hazrat Ali (RA) and said that the security plan evolved for this purpose should be strictly implemented. He said that police should perform its duties efficiently and dedicatedly to foil the nefarious designs of anti-social elements while police officers should personally remain present in the field.
The chief minister also issued instructions for further improving security arrangements in the province and directed that strict checking of entry and exit points of Punjab be undertaken while digital technology should be used for this purpose. 
He expressed displeasure over the delay in the purchase of necessary equipments for the monitoring of entry and exit points of the province and directed that digital equipment for monitoring be purchased immediately and its installation be completed at the earliest.
A report regarding the operation against terrorists in Pind Arayan was also presented to Shahbaz Sharif. He appreciated the courage and bravery of officers and jawans of police and law enforcement agencies which resulted in the success of the operation against terrorists and said that security forces have displayed extreme professionalism for thwarting the nefarious designs of terrorists.
The meeting also paid tributes to security official Sabir Hussain who was martyred in operation against terrorists in Pind Arayan for his courage and bravery and also offered fateha for the departed soul. The meeting also prayed for the early recovery of the injured officials.