Lahore, 2 October, 2026 (Nosheen): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that terrorism has no classification and anyone involved in terrorism is a terrorist, regardless of their origin. Addressing participants of a leadership course in Lahore, she urged government officers to perform their duties with honesty and dedication and work for the development of Pakistan and the welfare of the people. Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan had given a strong response to India during the war, while the armed forces were effectively combating terrorism, adding that a new image of Pakistan was emerging globally. She said internal security would remain at risk unless the country’s internal system was put in order, emphasizing that all citizens were first and foremost Pakistanis. She stressed the importance of continuity in policies, saying Pakistan could not make progress without consistent policies and effective governance. The chief minister said the writ of the state had been restored in riverine areas and claimed that the “dacoit culture” had been eliminated from Punjab, with the crime rate declining by up to 70 percent. Referring to Afghanistan, she said that although it was a neighbouring country, Pakistan could not ignore any use of Afghan or Pakistani territory against the country. She said Punjab had strengthened its security institutions and was closely monitoring security threats. Maryam Nawaz said the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab was working effectively and that she regularly held meetings with inspectors general to review security matters. She said leadership required decisive action and that there was no “no-go area” for her when it came to governance and decision-making. She also said mafia culture and the influence of wealthy individuals had entered Punjab but would no longer be allowed to dominate the province. Referring to social welfare initiatives, Maryam Nawaz said that after assuming office, she decided to provide a special Ramadan package to deserving people and found that the available database also included wealthy individuals. She said her government subsequently conducted research and established the Punjab Socio-Economic Registry to identify people requiring government assistance and understand their needs. The chief minister said Punjab had become accessible through digital services and that more than 100 development projects were currently underway. She added that around 130,000 houses had been completed across the province, while another 100,000 houses were under construction.