IN his thought-provoking address to the National Ulema Convention, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dilated upon some of the crucial subjects including national defence, menace of terrorism, role of the Ulema in promoting national unity and the state of economy.
He urged religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarianism and promoting unity, harmony and brotherhood. The PM emphasized that the country could not achieve sustainable economic development without elimination of terrorism, extremism and sectarianism. Speaking on the occasion, COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir pointed out that in an Islamic State, no one except the state has the authority to declare Jihad and called upon religious leaders to maintain unity within the nation.
Frequent interaction with Ulema is a positive development as religious scholars enjoy immense respect and influence and their power can be mobilized to counter negative propaganda and perspectives. It was in this backdrop that both the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal urged them to help promote national unity and solidarity. However, this can only happen if religious scholars and leaders shun the tendency of highlighting perspectives in line with their sectarian and political affiliations, ignoring true spirit and teachings of Islam. The twin-menaces of terrorism and sectarianism owe their existence to the misled interpretation of Islam as there is absolutely no permission in any religion to take lives on the basis of self-conceived notions. The issue of terrorism will die down the day when there is proper understanding of the true teachings of Islam by all segments of the religious communities as misguided elements will then get no shield to carry forward their nefarious designs. The Prime Minister has also rightly underlined that Allah Almighty blessed Pakistan with a great victory in the Marka-e-Haq (battle of truth) against India, which was due to the professionalism and bravery of the armed forces, as well as the prayers of the nation. The world, he added, was acknowledging Pakistan’s performance and Muslim countries were expressing pride over the historic victory. If we mock the sacrifices of the armed forces, then who will respect Pakistan’s honour? There are all indications that Pakistan is poised to take off and it is, therefore, the responsibility of all sections of the society to complement efforts of the Government so that it happens at the earliest.
