Pakistan:Basra seeks Shahbaz’s resignation

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Deputy Parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Shaukat Mehmud Basra demanded that Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif resign over his failure in preventing the Badami Bagh episode. He said it was not the first time Christians were targeted, adding that similar incidents had occurred in Faisalabad, Sialkot and other parts of the province. In a statement on Monday, he said Sharif was hoodwinking people by forming committees. In fact, he said, the Punjab government sought time to hush up the tragedy in Badami Bagh. “Had the chief minister taken serious notice of the incidents, the Badami Bagh episode would not have occurred,” he said. He said the PPP always took practical steps for protection of minorities and the president had already announced financial assistance for the victims. Basra said torching of houses had earned a bad name for the country. He said, “We should all give due respect to all sects and minorities of Pakistan.”