- Premier Shehbaz stresses progress depends on eliminating terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism
- Lauds Pakistan’s victory in Maarka-e-Haq as result of armed forces’ professionalism and public prayers
- PM vows economic growth through austerity, collective hard work, and timely policy implementation
- CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir: Terrorism is India’s practice; only the state can declare jihad
- Emphasizes unity, knowledge, and hard work are key to national strength, stability, and prosperity
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depends on hard work, national unity, and the elimination of extremism, sectarianism, and terrorism, dismissing claims that witchcraft has ever influenced governance.
Addressing the National Ulema Convention, the prime minister underscored the pivotal role of religious scholars in promoting harmony and cohesion among all schools of thought to ensure the country’s stability and prosperity.
“ہمیں محنت کرنا ہو گی، خون پسینہ بہانا ہو گا، تب جا کر پاکستان ترقی کرے گا۔ ہمارے بزرگوں نے اس ملک کے لیے ہجرت کی اور بے شمار قربانیاں دیں۔ پوری قوم کو قومی معاملات کے اوپر یکجاں دو قالب ہونا ہوگا۔”
~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا قومی علماء کنونشن سے خطاب pic.twitter.com/GODXtQfaNp
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
The PML-N-led government has repeatedly alleged that during the tenure of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), key decisions at the highest level were influenced by witchcraft. Speaking at the convention, PM Shehbaz said the nation could only achieve sustainable economic development once extremism, terrorism, and sectarianism are eradicated. He called on religious scholars to play a proactive role in discouraging sectarian divides and fostering brotherhood across all communities.
“پوری دنیا ورطۂ حیرت میں ہے کہ جس طرح سے پاکستان نے بھارت کے خلاف فتح حاصل کی ہمارے دوست ممالک اس کو اپنی فتح سمجھتے ہیں اور پاکستان کی عزت کر رہے ہیں۔ یہ ہم سب کی ذمہ داری ہے کہ اس فوج کا دفاع کریں جس نے پاکستان کا دفاع کرنے کے لیے اپنے خون کی قربانی دی اور ازلی دشمن کو وہ شکست… pic.twitter.com/nzxUmKyfxn
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
The convention was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, ministers, parliamentarians, and a large number of religious scholars from various schools of thought.
Highlighting Pakistan’s achievements in defense, PM Shehbaz said that Allah had blessed the country with a great victory in the Maarka-e-Haq against India, attributing the success to the professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices of the armed forces and the prayers of the nation. He praised Field Marshal Munir for his leadership, while acknowledging the contributions of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy in the historic victory. “The world is recognizing Pakistan’s performance, and Muslim countries are expressing pride in our achievements,” he said, while lamenting that some elements continue to spread propaganda against the armed forces.
براہِ راست: وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا قومی علماء کنونشن سے خطاب https://t.co/4oYv2VyODL
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
The prime minister also addressed the ongoing threat of terrorism, stating that khawarij groups continue to target innocent citizens and security personnel. He shared that he often meets families of martyred soldiers, who take pride in the sacrifices of their sons for the nation.
“افواج کے ہر سپاہی کی معرکۂ حق میں بے مثال کاوشیں شامل ہیں۔ اگر نبی کریم ﷺ کے اسوۂ حسنہ کے مطابق ہم سب نے زندگی بسر کرنی ہے تو سب سے بڑی ذمہ داری آپ کے اوپر آتی ہے، آپ امام مسجد بھی ہیں، قرآن کریم کے حافظ اور محدث بھی ہیں۔ جب تک اس ملک سے فرقہ پرستی کا خاتمہ نہیں ہوگا اور ملک کے… pic.twitter.com/vJHQmVlNnh
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
On the economic front, PM Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was on the verge of accelerated growth, thanks to tireless efforts by the political and military leadership to steer the country away from the risk of default. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to placing Pakistan on a path of economic prosperity through austerity measures, collective hard work, and timely implementation of policies, emphasizing that fulfilling Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision required national unity and determination.
‘Terrorism is India’s practice’
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir highlighted the historic defence ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and noted Pakistan’s unique role among Muslim countries as the protector of the Haramain. He warned that a nation abandoning knowledge and learning will succumb to disorder and corruption, emphasizing that strength and respect come from education and hard work, not division.
Islamabad : Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir addresses National Ulema Conference. pic.twitter.com/XLxkFzjoH3
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
Field Marshal Munir asserted that terrorism is a practice originating from India and that Pakistan confronts its enemies openly. He clarified that in an Islamic state, only the state can declare jihad and stressed that success in the battle for truth comes with Allah’s support. Urging scholars to maintain unity, he called on them to broaden public perspectives and strengthen national cohesion.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (#COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), of #Pakistan, addresses the National Ulema-e-Mushaikh Conference (Conference of Religious Scholars and Sufi Elders
“There is a deep connection between the Riyasat-e-Tayyaba (The Pure… pic.twitter.com/q9KopekfEO
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 10, 2025
PM Shehbaz Sharif concluded by reiterating that national unity, hard work, and collective effort are indispensable for addressing Pakistan’s challenges and securing long-term stability, prosperity, and development.
