Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the National Ulema Convention in Islamabad that Pakistan’s success will come through hard work rather than superstition, urging national unity to confront the country’s political, economic and security challenges. He said the country could not achieve lasting economic development unless terrorism, extremism and sectarianism were completely rooted out.
The prime minister called on religious scholars to actively discourage sectarian divides and promote harmony among all schools of thought, saying that unity and social cohesion were essential for ensuring Pakistan’s future stability. The convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir, cabinet members, parliamentarians and scholars from across the country.
Shehbaz said Pakistan had earned a great victory in the Maarka-e-Haq against India, crediting the professionalism of the armed forces as well as the prayers of the nation. He praised Field Marshal Munir for leading the war with courage and said the army, air force and navy had contributed equally. He added that global recognition of Pakistan’s performance was growing, with Muslim countries expressing pride, even as some elements continued to spread propaganda against the military.
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Addressing Pakistan’s security environment, the prime minister said the khawarij were attacking innocent civilians and security personnel. He shared that families of martyred soldiers often expressed pride in their sons’ sacrifices for the country.
On the economy, he said Pakistan had reached a crucial phase from which it was poised for accelerated growth. He credited both the political and military leadership for working tirelessly to steer the country away from default. The government, he said, was committed to putting Pakistan on the path of sustained prosperity through austerity, discipline and collective effort — fulfilling the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.
He concluded that national unity was essential for overcoming challenges and ensuring lasting peace and development.
Meanwhile, Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia shared a deep bond, calling their defence agreement historic. He said Allah had granted Pakistan the honour of being among the protectors of the Haramain, and warned that any nation that abandons knowledge invites disorder and corruption.
He said respect and strength come through hard work, not division, and declared that terrorism was India’s practice, while Pakistan faced its enemies boldly. He added that in an Islamic state, only the state can declare jihad, and said victory in the struggle for truth comes with divine support. Field Marshal Munir urged scholars to unite the nation and broaden the public’s perspective.
