PM Shehbaz urges nation to unite to overcome challenges

ISLAMABAD -On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of building solidarity, unity, and harmony to meet the country’s issues.

Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference here, he said that the political government and constitutional institutions are cooperating in unprecedented ways, underlining that this collaboration is in the national interest and serves as a model for the future.

He urged religious academics from many schools of thought to spread the message of peace and brotherhood and speak out against divisiveness.

Referring to the sacrifices made by the people under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the establishment of Pakistan, he emphasized the importance of working relentlessly to convert the country into the one our predecessors envisioned.

He criticized the use of social media to spread lies against the country’s security personnel. Security officers have made enormous sacrifices for the country’s security and defense, he added.

He called the May 9 incident the most horrible in the country’s history.

Premier Shehbaz stated that the government is working relentlessly to overcome economic difficulties.

Admitting the challenges encountered by the populace due to inflation, he stated that Rs50 billion has been redirected from the development fund to provide a three-month subsidy to power consumers who use up to 200 units. He did, however, acknowledge that this is insufficient because there is a cost on consumers who use up to 500 units.

He stated that conversations are currently underway to provide relief and minimize the load on the poor. A thorough plan is being developed in this regard, he said.

The guest of honour, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, also spoke during the conference.

Minister for Religious Affairs Salik Hussain asked religious academics to play a role in combating extremist elements. He stated that these groups misinterpret the principles of our great faith, Islam, in order to foster instability and turmoil, underlining the importance of joint efforts to safeguard the country’s peace.

The minister also urged religious academics to lead an awareness campaign to preserve minorities’ rights.

He stated that Pakistan is facing a challenge to its national security and emphasized the importance of working together to eradicate terrorism.

He stated that terrorism has been a problem in the country for several decades. “Let’s work together to build a prosperous Pakistan,” the minister said.

Ministers and religious academics representing diverse schools of thought attended the gathering.