Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday dismissed the notion that Pakistan’s fate could be shaped by supernatural means, asserting that the country’s real path to success lies in “hard work, discipline, and collective responsibility.”
Speaking at the National Ulema Convention in Islamabad, he stressed that national unity for progress must be at the heart of Pakistan’s journey toward stability and development.
The convention brought together a diverse range of participants, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Field Marshal Asim Munir, key ministers, parliamentarians, and prominent religious scholars from various schools of thought. Their presence, the prime minister said, reflected a shared commitment to steering Pakistan through its current challenges.
Taking a subtle jibe at past allegations made by members of his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PM Shehbaz said the country cannot afford to be distracted by claims that “witchcraft” influenced high-level decision-making during the tenure of the previous government. He maintained that real leadership comes from honesty, dedication, and competence — not illusions or superstition.
He reminded the audience that progress cannot come without unity, urging religious scholars to help bridge divides and counter the growing culture of suspicion and division. “Your role is critical now more than ever,” he said, adding that scholars have the power to promote brotherhood and encourage peace among different sects.
Defeating terrorism and extremism
The prime minister made it clear that Pakistan cannot move forward unless terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism are eliminated in full. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks carried out by khawarij elements, who he said were targeting innocent civilians and the nation’s security forces.
PM Shehbaz shared emotional encounters from his visits with families of martyred soldiers. “These families show remarkable pride in their sons’ sacrifices. Their resilience strengthens my resolve every day,” he noted.
Highlighting the country’s military achievements, the prime minister said Allah had blessed Pakistan with a “great victory” in the Maarka-e-Haq against India. He praised the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting his courage and firm resolve during the conflict. All branches of the armed forces — the Army, Air Force, and Navy — played an equally vital role, he added.
He said the world had taken notice of Pakistan’s exceptional performance, with many Muslim countries expressing pride in the nation’s strategic success. However, he cautioned that harmful propaganda aimed at weakening the public’s trust in the armed forces must be countered with facts and unity.
Turning to economic matters, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had reached a critical turning point. After months of steady stabilisation, the country is now “ready to take off” towards high-paced growth. He praised the combined efforts of civil and military leadership in pulling Pakistan back from the edge of default.
He emphasized that this phase required strict financial discipline, implementation of reforms, and transparent governance. “This is the moment for action,” he said. “If we work together, adopt austerity, and stay focused, we can fulfil the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.”
Field Marshal Asim Munir: ‘Terrorism is India’s practice’
In his address, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong defence partnership with Saudi Arabia, calling their treaty “historic and deeply rooted.” He said Pakistan has the honour of safeguarding the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah — a privilege that brings both responsibility and pride.
He warned that nations that abandon education, knowledge, and critical thinking invite chaos and corruption. True strength, he said, comes through wisdom, hard work, and unity rather than internal disputes.
The army chief declared that “terrorism is India’s practice,” adding that Pakistan has no hesitation in confronting its enemies openly. He also reminded the audience that only the state can declare jihad in an Islamic country — a necessary safeguard against extremist exploitation.
Field Marshal Munir urged religious scholars to broaden people’s perspectives and help foster national unity for progress, the key theme echoed throughout the convention.
