Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said sustainable economic development cannot be achieved without eliminating terrorism, extremism and sectarianism from the country.
He was addressing the National Ulema Convention in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister urged religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarianism and promoting unity, harmony and brotherhood among all schools of thought. Shehbaz Sharif said creating an atmosphere of national cohesion was essential for ensuring the country’s prosperity and future progress.
Calling out the menace of terrorism, he said the Khawarij were carrying out attacks and targeting innocent citizens and security personnel. He said he often met families of martyred soldiers who expressed pride in the sacrifices of their sons for the country.
As regards the economy, the prime minister said Pakistan had reached a stage from where it was about to take off towards accelerated growth. He said the country’s political and military leadership had worked tirelessly to steer the nation away from the risk of default.
Shehbaz Sharif said national unity was indispensable for addressing all challenges facing the country and for achieving long-term stability and development.
The Convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thoughts.
