Successes in operations against terrorists hailed

The Punjab Apex Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on Tuesday reviewed the law and order situation and security arrangements in the province with a briefing on measures to protect lives and property. The committee expressed satisfaction over coordination among security agencies and termed the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub at the Provincial Intelligence Fusion and Threat Assessment Centre (PIFTAC) an important step towards timely sharing of information. The centre and hub were launched earlier this month to strengthen threat assessment and coordination among security agencies. The chief minister welcomed successes in ongoing operations against terrorists and praised the Pakistan Army's professional capabilities. The committee paid tribute to Captain Abu Zarr Farooq, Lt Shiras Babar and other personnel martyred during Operation Zarb-i-Labbaik and offered Fateha for the departed souls. The Lahore corps commander also appreciated the performance of the relevant institutions and termed it satisfactory. The committee was informed that 93 projects were being initiated in the riverine areas to improve social infrastructure. Smart police stations and checkpoints will also be established in the area. A steel bridge costing Rs620 million will be constructed and skill-development programmes will be launched to create employment opportunities for residents of the riverine belt. The committee was informed that steps were being taken to ensure the departure of illegally residing foreign nationals from Punjab. The CM said all institutions in Punjab were working in coordination and maintaining law and order required putting personal interests aside.