PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said ransacking and putting on fire of historic Radio Pakistan Peshawar’s building exposed barbaric mindsets of attackers, who had no regard for humanity and national heritage. Addressing an event here to express solidarity with employees of Radio Pakistan and Associated Press of Pakistan at Radio Pakistan Peshawar’s building, he said that wave of widespread anger against attackers was felt in country after attack. He mentioned that people from all walks of life strongly condemned assaults at government buildings and security installations across country on May 9 and 10. “There is no difference between rioters of May 9-10 and terrorists,” he said, adding that his government would ensure that such deplorable incidents never repeat again. He vowed exemplary punishment to culprits as per law.

He said May 9-10 devastation was beyond imagination and even enemy was not able to carry out such deplorable incidents in past. He said Radio Pakistan Peshawar was historic station established before independence of Pakistan in 1935. Announcement of Pakistan’s independence was also made from this station and Radio Pakistan Lahore station at midnight of August 13-14, 1947. He said millions of Muslims, under leadership of Father of Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah rendered great sacrifices for motherland, adding violent incidents of May 9 and 10 put entire in state of grief and anger.

He condemned alighting of model of Chaghi hills constructed in premises of Radio Pakistan Peshawar in memory of May 28, 1998 successful nuclear explosions that made country’s defence impregnable.

He recalled that iconic structure depicted historic moment where country’s defence was made invincible on May 28, 1998, under leadership of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He said that archives of Suratul Qur’an programme, which remained unharmed was miracle amid vandalism carried out at national broadcaster building.

He appreciated bravery and courage of injured employees of Radio Pakistan Peshawar Naseer and Abdullah against rioters and gave them compensation cheques. Prime Minister handed over keys of vehicles to Radio Pakistan Peshawar.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 26 2023

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