Prime Minister Addresses National Ulema Convention, Stresses Unity and Economic Focus
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted on Wednesday that Pakistan’s progress hinges on diligent effort and national unity, pointedly dismissing notions of supernatural influence in governance. Addressing a gathering of religious scholars in Islamabad, the Prime Minister framed hard work as the essential catalyst for the country’s development.
“The key to Pakistan’s progress lies in hard work, not witchcraft,” Sharif stated at the National Ulema Convention. The remark appeared to reference repeated allegations by ministers of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government that the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration engaged in occult practices to influence high-level decisions.
Call for Religious Scholars to Combat Sectarianism
Sharif emphasized that sustainable economic development is impossible without eradicating terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism. He urged the assembled religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarian divisions and promoting unity, harmony, and brotherhood among all Islamic schools of thought.
“Creating an atmosphere of national cohesion was essential for ensuring the country’s prosperity and future progress,” the Prime Minister said. The high-profile convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, other ministers, parliamentarians, and a large number of religious scholars.
Praise for Military and Focus on Economic Takeoff
In his address, PM Sharif praised the armed forces for what he described as a “great victory” in the “Maarka-e-Haq” against India, attributing the success to their professionalism, bravery, and the nation’s prayers. He stated that Field Marshal Munir had led with courage and resolve, with all branches of the military contributing equally.
Turning to the economy, Sharif expressed confidence that Pakistan was on the cusp of accelerated growth, having been steered away from the risk of default through the efforts of its political and military leadership. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to put the country on a path of economic prosperity through implementation, austerity, and collective hard work.
Military Leadership Echoes Call for Unity and Knowledge
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, also addressing the convention, emphasized the historic defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He warned that a nation abandoning knowledge and the pen would descend into disorder and corruption.
“Respect and strength come through hard work and knowledge, not division,” Munir stated. He labeled terrorism as “India’s practice” and asserted that Pakistan confronts its enemies openly. The Field Marshal clarified that in an Islamic state, only the state can order jihad, and he urged scholars to keep the nation united and broaden public perspective.
Both leaders positioned national unity as the indispensable foundation for addressing Pakistan’s challenges and achieving long-term stability and development, framing the current moment as one for concerted effort over division.
