India involved in terrorist activities: Several suspected terrorists held in cities of Punjab: ministers
LAHORE: Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister, who is also Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Bilal Yasin, has stated that the hostile neighbouring country India is involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan.
“Security forces arrested several suspected terrorists during crackdowns conducted in various cities of Punjab,” he said, adding: “Over 40,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure security for Eid prayers in mosques and open grounds.”
Bilal further said that the “Suthra Punjab” campaign would be successfully implemented to ensure cleanliness arrangements across the province. On the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, water supply timings are being extended, and 21,000 WASA employees will remain on duty during Eid. Bilal Yasin clarified that leaves of WASA field officers have been cancelled. Routes leading to Eid prayer gatherings will be cleaned during development works.
On the directions of the Chief Minister, Bilal said all provincial ministers will remain in the field during the three days of Eid. He added that monitoring and control rooms are fully functional and security arrangements have been finalized. Security forces will also remain alert during events marking Youm-e-Takbeer on May 28, he added.
Speaking about the World Urban Forum in Baku, he said that the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” program had brought pride to Pakistan. The project, now considered the world’s fifth-largest housing model, has become an exemplary initiative with the completion of over 100,000 houses. By June 2026, loan approvals will be granted to 160,000 families. People who have become homeowners instead of tenants are praying for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Bilal said.
He further stated that the evacuation of 17,000 illegally residing Afghans from Punjab has been ensured. He added that ongoing projects in inner Lahore are being accelerated and aligned with modern requirements. He praised the efforts of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for the restoration of Lahore’s cultural heritage.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari said that conspiracies originating from the neighbouring country and terrorist activities taking place in Pakistan are strongly condemned. “Pakistan’s security forces are fully alert and the enemy will receive a strong response. A comprehensive crackdown is underway against groups involved in terrorist activities,” she said, adding: “Intelligence-based operations have been intensified, while the process of repatriating Afghan refugees is continuing.”
She further said that implementation of cleanliness and security plans in cattle markets is being ensured. Measures are also being taken to ensure the safe return of travellers and to crack down on complaints of overcharging. Action is being taken against vehicles lacking fitness certificates and those involved in overloading. Fitness certificates for amusement rides in parks have been made mandatory before Eid-ul-Adha, she added.
On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, all departments will carry out administrative affairs through joint coordination, she said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026