ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged religious scholars to play an active role in eliminating sectarianism, warning that a handful of clerics continue to promote divisive narratives despite the need for national unity.
He made these remarks while addressing the National Ulema Convention, where Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir was also present.
The prime minister said clerics and the nation’s prayers had played a crucial role in Pakistan’s recent victory against India, adding that the armed forces, under Asim Munir’s leadership, gave India a “strong and decisive response.”
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan cannot achieve economic progress unless the country fully defeats terrorism.
“We are striving to put Pakistan on the path of economic development, but terrorism and development cannot run together,” he said. “Ending terrorism is essential for the future of this nation.”
He warned that militants entering Pakistan from Afghanistan continue to target innocent citizens in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the country cannot progress unless this cycle of violence ends. “Neither magic nor shortcuts can develop a country—only constant hard work can,” he said, calling for unity on all national issues.
The prime minister said both friends and rivals are closely watching Pakistan’s recent military success. He noted that friendly nations are celebrating Pakistan’s achievement, while hostile narratives circulating domestically must be rejected.
“If poisonous propaganda spreads here, it is everyone’s responsibility—not just the government’s—to counter it,” he added.
