New anti-terror force needed in Pakistan: PM Sharif

Lahore – Emphasising that his government is firm on establishing its writ, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said a new anti-terrorism force is needed to confront target killers and extortionists.

Presiding over a meeting on the law and order situation in Lahore, the capital of the central Punjab province, he said there would be no concessions for law enforcing agencies that fail to tackle crimes.

Sharif said his government is firm on establishing its writ and target killers and extortionists will be dealt with an iron hand.

He was briefed about the setting up of the new anti-terrorism force during the meeting.

Sharif had last month called for the early formation of the planned anti-terrorism force. On August 30, he had lifted a ban on recruitment in all law enforcement agencies and directed authorities to form the anti-terrorism force.

The premier wants personnel of the new force to undergo the same training as army commandos.