PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Asim Munir urge national unity at Ulema convention
Pakistan
PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have called for national unity, an end to sectarianism and rejection of terrorism to ensure Pakistan’s security and economic progress
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday called for the complete eradication of sectarianism, extremism and terrorism, urging religious scholars to take a proactive role in promoting harmony across the country.
Addressing the National Ulema Convention in Islamabad, he warned that Pakistan could not progress until divisive ideologies were dealt with decisively.
Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir attended the convention alongside Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, ministers, parliamentarians and scholars from a broad spectrum of religious thought.
Sectarian challenge
Translating his concerns into an urgent appeal, the prime minister said sectarianism had become a pressing national issue that demanded immediate attention. He noted that while many scholars were working for unity, some continued to engage in rhetoric that fuelled division. “Ending sectarianism is the need of the hour,” he said, adding that the responsibility for creating an atmosphere of cohesion lay with both the state and religious leadership.
"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۔"
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا قومی علماء کنونشن سے خطاب pic.twitter.com/GODXtQfaNp
PM Shehbaz also reiterated that Pakistan’s economic revival could not run parallel to terrorism. He said militant groups, including khawarij elements, were attacking innocent citizens and security personnel, with people in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa frequently falling victim. “If such a situation persists, how can the country progress?” he asked, emphasising that prosperity would come only through sustained hard work rather than shortcuts or superstition.
Victory and vigilance
Field Marshal Asim Munir, addressing the convention, traced a deep historical and spiritual connection between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan. He said Pakistan had been honoured with the responsibility of safeguarding the Haramain, a distinction he described as a divine blessing. He stressed that nations drifting away from knowledge and scholarship eventually succumbed to disorder and conflict, whereas dignity and strength were earned through learning and effort.
Calling terrorism an Indian habit rather than a Pakistani trait, he said the armed forces confronted the enemy openly and decisively. He reminded the audience that in the Maarka e Haq, Pakistan had achieved victory through Allah’s help, the courage of its forces and the prayers of its people. Field Marshal Munir said no individual or group could declare jihad except the state, and urged scholars to keep the nation united, broadening its collective perspective.
Economic outlook
On the economy, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan had reached a critical juncture from which it was ready to accelerate towards growth.
"پاکستان کی معیشت آج تیزی سے ترقی کی جانب گامزن ہے، ملک کو دیوالیہ ہونے سے بچانے کیلئے سیاسی و عسکری قیادت نے مل کر کردار ادا کیا۔ دہشتگردی اور ملکی ترقی کے لیے کاوشیں دونوں ایک ساتھ نہیں چل سکتے، اگر اس ملک نے ترقی کرنی ہے تو دہشتگردی کا خاتمہ انتہائی ضروری ہے۔"
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 10, 2025
~ وزیراعظم محمد… pic.twitter.com/4OvnoGLfqb
He credited the combined efforts of political and military leadership for steering the country away from the risk of default. The prime minister said this was a moment for implementation, discipline and collective resolve, arguing that austerity and national focus were essential for realising the aspirations of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
"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
He added that friends of Pakistan were celebrating the country’s recent military victory and expressing pride in its achievements, while certain quarters continued to push “poisonous propaganda” against the armed forces. Rejecting such narratives, he said safeguarding the national interest was a shared responsibility.
Field Marshal Munir concluded his remarks by urging scholars to maintain unity within the nation and foster intellectual breadth among the people.
