- PM asks Ulema to play a role in overcoming terrorism.
- Said Pakistan could repay debts by exploiting resources.
- “Without economic progress, political independence cannot be achieved.”
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that one of the key targets of the terrorists was to prevent Pakistan from benefiting from its vast natural resources.
“Pakistan has had the chance to have billions of dollars in natural resources … Foreign elements that provide financial support to terrorists do not want Pakistan to benefit from its mineral resources,” he said at the “Rab-E-Zuljalal Ka Ehsaan-Pakistan” ceremony.
The country has been in shock in increased terrorist attacks targeting law officials and security forces since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, especially in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balutchistan.
Pakistan witnessed a strong increase in terrorist attacks in January 2025, increasing by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data published by Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a reflection group.
KP remained the most affected province, followed by Balutchistan. In KP’s established districts, activists led 27 attacks, leading to 19 deaths, including 11 security staff, six civilians and two activists.
Addressing the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the Pakistan security forces were sacrificing their lives in the war against terrorism to ensure the future of the country.
“Future generations would not forgive if unity was not displayed to overcome the threat of terrorism, and Ulema should play an important role in this regard,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan could reimburse its debts by exploiting its mineral resources to guarantee its lost status in the world.
The PM Shehbaz also said that it was the need for the hour that people show unity and harmony to solve the problems encountered by Pakistan.
“It was the responsibility of people from all walks of life to manifest themselves to solve economic and social problems and help to eradicate the threat of terrorism,” he added.
He added that the Ulema should take responsibility to promote unity and the brotherhood in society, adding that everyone should exceed sectarian differences and give preference to national questions on their personal wishes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Ramadan was a very important month because Pakistan was created this month as the only ideological Islamic State.
He added that the world powers were against the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but despite all expectations, in 1998, Pakistan became an atomic power, and due to nuclear capacity and the courageous armed forces, no enemy could take a bad eye towards the country.
Shehbaz said Quaid-Ezam wanted a Pakistan where Muslims and minorities enjoyed religious freedom and minorities were protected.
He said: “If we follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PSL) and our great leaders, we can reach our maturity in the world.”
It was of the opinion that without economic progress, political independence could not be achieved.
The Prime Minister said it was the responsibility of the State to allow citizens to live their lives according to Islam, adding that no law could be made contrary to the teachings of Islam.
He promised to put all the financial resources available to provide young people with modern technology and skills and said that the PM youth program had been created to offer education and job opportunities to young people.
He also advised young people to follow the discipline of their lives and to meet the expectations of the nation.
The Prime Minister called on the ulemas to promote positive thought and the habit of research so that the spread of false news and malicious propaganda can be stopped.
