Coalition govt, institutions in unprecedented harmony to rid country of challenges: PM

• Claims he had never seen such a level of cooperation between a govt, institutions throughout his political career
• Urges Ulema to play their role in doing away with division in the society and highlighting Islamic economic system

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the coalition government and the national institutions were in an unprecedented harmony and cooperation to serve the better national interests and steer the country out of prevailing challenges.

The prime minister, addressing the Ulema-Mashaikh Conference here, said that the country never needed unity and national harmony more, and he had never seen such a level of cooperation between a political government and the institutions throughout his political career.

Appreciating the support extended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, also attending the moot, he said that such exemplary collaboration was a role model for the future.

He said that the challenges pervading the country necessitated learning lessons from past weaknesses and mistakes and making sincere efforts to develop Pakistan as a country as was dreamt by the forefathers and sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives during the Pakistan Movement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the nation, which was about to celebrate its 77th Independence Day on August 14, was yet to find its destination, but the goal was achievable provided the dedicated efforts were made and the teachings of Quran and Sunnah were followed.

He called for the efforts to wipe out Fitna al Khawarij – a term referring to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan – which he said was involved in anti-Pakistan activities despite claiming to be a Pakistani. He also criticized the use of social media to spread lies and propaganda – particularly after 2018- instead of appreciating the government’s efforts for public services.He said even the army soldiers, who sacrificed their lives to protect millions of other children from being orphaned, were being humiliated on social media.

Calling the May 9 attacks “the most heart-wrenching” incident in the country’s history, the prime minister highlighted that the characters behind the tragedy of 1971 met their fate in Bangladesh amidst the recent developments in the country.

He urged Ulema to play their role to do away with the division in the society and highlight the Islamic economic system, and said that no force could obstruct the country’s development if the nation was determined to achieve its goal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz told the gathering that the government was making all-out efforts to address the economic challenges and expected the upcoming IMF program to be the last one. At the same time, it had scraped Rs50 billion to support the power consumers of the protected category consuming up to 200 units. But the consumers using 200-500 units of electricity were still under the burden, he added.

However, he assured the gathering that the coalition government and the COAS were in consultation to work out a comprehensive plan to ease the inflation-stricken people and the provinces would soon announce their respective plans in this regard.

He said the IMF Program was a compulsion to bring economic about stability, productive employment and reforms in the FBR and power sector.

The prime minister urged Ulema and Mashaikh to play an active role in countering propaganda, fake news, and disinformation, while aligning with core Islamic values and principles.

He stressed the significance of the role of Ulema and Mashaikh in guiding youth towards understanding the Quran, Sunnah, and character building, alongside academic knowledge and technical skills.

He was speaking to a large gathering of esteemed Islamic scholars (Ulema o Mashaikh) from diverse schools of thought convened at the Pakistan-China Friendship Center here for the National Ulema Convention. The prime minister graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while the Chief of the Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir NI(M), was the Guest of Honor.

In his address, the prime minister emphasized, “Islam is a religion of peace, and peace is the foundation of Islam. It teaches us coexistence, not confrontation. We must uphold these Islamic values firmly.” He further remarked, “Pakistan is a nation built on the principles of love, compassion, and acceptance. Our diversity, encompassing various cultures, religions, and ethnicities, is our strength. Let us embrace our differences and celebrate our unique identities.”

He also paid tribute to the brave security forces and law enforcement agencies, saying, “We salute those who risk their lives daily to protect the nation, offering the highest sacrifice for the motherland. We honor the sacrifices of our martyrs, who have given their lives to defend the nation.”

The forum unanimously expressed deep anguish over the ongoing brutalities against Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the inhumane conflict in Gaza, terming these as crimes against humanity.

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