Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized the need for Pakistan to eliminate terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the country to achieve sustainable economic development.
Addressing the National Ulema Conference, he urged religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarianism and promoting unity, harmony and brotherhood among all schools of thought. “Creating an atmosphere of national cohesion is essential to ensure the country’s prosperity and future progress,” he said.
“With the blessings of Almighty Allah, Pakistan achieved a great victory in Marka-e-Haq against India,” he said, referring to the May conflict between Pakistan and India. He lauded the professionalism and bravery of the armed forces in achieving this victory.
Sharif said Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Munir had led the war with courage and unwavering resolve, stressing that the Army, Air Force and Navy had all contributed equally to the victory. The world, he noted, was acknowledging Pakistan’s performance and Muslim countries were proud over the historic victory. Despite this, he regretted, certain elements continued to spread propaganda against the armed forces. He noted the khawrij, a term for terrorists, were conducting attacks and targeting innocent citizens and security personnel.
The prime minister said the country’s political and military leadership had worked day and night to steer the nation away from the risk of default, reiterating the resolve to now shift to economic prosperity. “By implementing austerity measures and working collectively, the nation can fulfill the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he said.
Knowledge is power
In his address to the conference, the Army chief also called on the ulema to play their role in fostering national unity and broadening the vision of the people. He said that in an Islamic state, no one except the state could declare jihad.
Field Marshal Munir termed the defense agreement inked between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia a historic development, reflecting the deep connection between the Gulf kingdom and Islamabad. “Terrorism is not Pakistan’s way, but India’s practice,” he said. “Pakistan does not strike the enemy from hiding; rather, it challenges and eliminates them openly,” he added.
The Army chief, who also serves as Chief of Defense Forces, stressed on the importance of education. He warned that the pen became vulnerable to chaos in any nation that abandoned knowledge.