He asserts that progress depends on the elimination of terrorism; CDF Munir urges ulama to help foster unity
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Force Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attend the National Ulema Conference in Islamabad. Photo: NNI
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the country could not achieve sustainable economic development without the complete elimination of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the country.
Addressing the National Ulema Convention, the Prime Minister urged religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarianism and promoting unity, harmony and brotherhood among all schools of thought. He said creating an atmosphere of national cohesion was essential to ensure the country’s prosperity and future progress.
The convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief Marshal of Defense Force Syed Asim Munir, ministers, parliamentarians and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thought.
The Prime Minister said that Allah Almighty had blessed Pakistan with a great victory in Maarka-e-Haq (Battle of Truth) against India, which he said was due to the professionalism and courage of the armed forces and the prayers of the nation.
He said Field Marshal Asim Munir fought the war with courage and unwavering determination, while all services, Army, Air Force and Navy, contributed equally to the victory.
The world, he added, recognizes Pakistan’s performance and Muslim countries express pride over this historic victory. Despite this, he noted, some elements continue to spread propaganda against the armed forces.
Denouncing the menace of terrorism, he said the Khawarij were carrying out attacks and targeting innocent citizens and security personnel. He said he often met families of martyred soldiers who expressed pride in their sons’ sacrifices for the country.
On the economy, the Prime Minister said Pakistan had reached a stage where it was on the verge of taking off towards accelerated growth. He said the country’s political and military leaders had worked tirelessly to move the nation away from the risk of default.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to put Pakistan on the path to economic prosperity, saying that now is the time to implement and work hard. By implementing austerity measures and working collectively, he added, the nation could realize the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said national unity was essential to address all challenges facing the country and to achieve long-term stability and development.
Chief of Defense Forces
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have urged the Ulema to play their role in promoting national unity and broadening the vision of the people.
Addressing the conference, the CDF said that in an Islamic state, no one except the state can declare jihad.
He said the nation emerged victorious in Maarka-e-Haq with the blessings of Allah Almighty.
Terming the defense deal with Saudi Arabia as a historic development, the CDF said there is a deep bond between Tayyiba State and Pakistan. “Among all Muslim countries, Allah Almighty has bestowed upon Pakistan the honor of being the guardian of Haramain,” he said.
The CDF said: “Terrorism is not the way of Pakistan but the practice of India. Pakistan does not strike the enemy since it is in hiding; on the contrary, he openly challenges and eliminates him. »
Highlighting the importance of education, Field Marshal Asim Munir said a nation that abandons knowledge and the pen becomes vulnerable to chaos. “Honor and strength are not gained through division, but through hard work and knowledge,” he added.
