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Victory imminent in fight against terrorism: Shahbaz

* Punjab chief minister says corruption and class disparity major cause of terror

LAHORE: The fight against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war and victory is imminent, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Mian Shahbaz Sharif said. He praised the political leadership for maintaining mental harmony amongst the public, and said that was the reason the nation was supportive of the Waziristan operation.

Adressing participants of the National Defence Course 2009-10 at the CM’s Secretariat, on Tuesday, he lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Army personnel, who laid down their lives to preserve the nation’s future. He said that class disparities had led to the plundering of resources by the elite, which was a major cause of terrorism. He said all resources should be diverted to ensuring the prosperity and provision of education and health facilities as well as job opportunities to bring about a change in the nation. He urged citizens to become role models of patriotism, sacrifice, honesty and hard work as seen during the Word War II.

Referring to the National Reconciliation Order (NRO), Shahbaz said that the approval of the bill would have destroyed the entire moral fabric of the society. He said Pakistan had received unprecedented funds during these ten years, yet corruption and lack of utilization of resources had led the country to face a severe energy and water crises.

Commenting on the Kerry-Lugar Bill, the CM stressed the importance of good relations with a super power but rejecting the idea of begging for aid. He said praised the local government system for providing solution to local issues but agreed that the setup had to be renovated to make if effective.

He said that the Punjab government was taking steps to promote national unity and cohesion through various healthcare projects in Swat and Balochistan.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi High Commissioner in Pakistan Yasmin Murshad called on the CM at the CM’s Secretariat. Both sides discussed matters of mutual concern and possible cooperation in trade and culture. staff report

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