12 killed as Shells Hit Houses in NWaziristan
MIRAMSHAH: At least six women, four girls and two men have been killed while eight people seriously injured during exchange of fire between security forces and the militants, tribesmen said on Tuesday.
Four women and two girls of a family were killed when shells fired by the forces and Taliban militants landed at a house at Datta Khel, 45 kilometres from Miramshah on Tuesday, they said.
Witnesses said that the militants attacked a fort of security forces at Datta Khel and the forces also retaliated with artillery shelling.
A shell hit the house of Sadi Khan, a local tribesman, killing four women and three girls, tribesmen said.
Witnesses said that shells also landed at Datta Khel bazaar, killing two people. Two other people were injured. They were taken to Miramshah agency hospital. Doctors said they are in critical condition.
In another incident, suspected militants attacked the security forces a fort known as ‘Airport Qila’ at Miranshah and several check posts in the area.
After the attack the security forces used heavy artillery and rockets to bomb positions of the militants.
According to local tribesmen during the clash between the forces and militants some shells fell in Miramshah and nearby areas, killing two women and a girl while six other sustained injuries.
The injured were shifted to Miramshah Agency hospital.
Findings of Gojra Probe To be Implemented: CM Punjab
FAISALABAD: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has assured that the findings of judicial inquiry into Gojra incident would be implemented in letter and spirit.
He was addressing a gathering of Christians in Catholic Church on Sammundri road near Gojra on Tuesday.
He expressed deep sense of sorrow and anguish on the terrible incidents of Gojra and Korian and said that Punjab government fully share their grief.
He said that tyrants and those damaging proprieties would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against them.
He said that judicial inquiry has already been ordered and Punjab Government was fully determined to implement the recommendations of this inquiry report. He said that he had intentionally delayed his visit to Gojra to dispel the impression of influencing this inquiry.
However, he said that all affectees of Gojra and Korian would be fully compensated for their losses.
“I am personally reviewing the task for the compensation and rehabilitation of affectees and no negligence whatsoever in this connection would be tolerated.
Chief Minister said that no Muslim or Christian could ever think of desecrating holy books. Pakistan was created in the name of Islam where all minorities and majority have equal rights. He said that constitution of Pakistan also protects their fundamental rights. Founding Father Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had repeatedly pronounced that Muslims are free to go to their mosques, Hindus to their temples and Christians to their churches.
Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Christian youth is in a state of anguish and I personally feel their sentiments. He assured them “Justice and complete Justice” and said in this connection all concerned elements would be taken into confidence.
He said that apparently no incident of defiling holy book was occurred. However, if it was happened, even then it does not allow any individual to take law into his hand and start killing and setting on fire others properties.
He said that perpetrators involved in this incident would not be forgiven and strict action would be taken against them. He said that DPO and DCO charged with negligence have already been transferred.
He said that compensation to the affectees is not a remedy for their losses and agony. However, they would be fully compensated in addition to providing them justice. He also assured that announcements of compensation already made would be implemented in next 48 hours. “This compensation would be delivered at their doorstep without any unnecessary exposure or political mileage”, he said and added that their losses would also fully compensated. Directives have already been issued to check recurrence of such incidents in future, he added. Provincial ministers Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khosa, Sardar Dost Muhammad Khosa, Mohtarma Neelum Jabbar, Kamran Michael, Bishop of Faisalabad Dr. Joseph Coutts, Bishop of Lahore Alexander John Malik, Khalil Tahir Sindhu and Joel Aamer Sahotra were also present.
Earlier Chief Minister attended a briefing at TMA and later visited Christian colony where houses were put on fire. He also expressed condolence with the affectees of Gojra riots.
