ISLAMABAD –
Political figures and business representatives have welcomed the visit of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday as a ‘good omen’ and strong expression of solidarity with the Armed Forces, who are currently engaged in Zarb-e-Azb operation against terrorists.
Punjab Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar said that the government’s support was with the Armed Forces in operation “Zarb e Azab’ against terrorists.
He told APP in Lahore that the Prime Minister had visited the GHQ to express his solidarity with the Armed Forces and to pay tributes to the brave soldiers of Pakistan Army who were sacrificing their lives for the nation.
The Minister said that it had become need of the hour to start a comprehensive operation to combat terrorism in the country which was a threat to the prosperity and dignity of Pakistan.
He said that strong economy was needed for bright future of any country and terrorism was a threat for the economy and investors, adding, the government was determined to wipe out terrorism from the country and ensure Pakistan’s bright future.
To a question, he said that all political parties and the nation were on same page against terrorism and pray for complete success of the operation.
Secretary General Pakistan Muslim League Functional (PML-F) Sindh, Nawab Rashid Ali Khan told APP in Karachi that Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was giving top priority to the issue of terrorism and it was also evident from the fact that he alongwith his cabinet members visited the GHQ and took briefing on the operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He termed the visit of Prime Minister to GHQ as a ‘good omen’ and said it would help boost the morale of our Armed Forces in their fight to purge the country of terrorists.
Chief of Nizam-e-Mustafa Party and former Federal Minister Haji Hanif Tayyab while talking to APP also welcomed the visit of PM to GHQ and said it reflected that on the vital issue of terrorism, the Armed Forces and the civilian leadership were on the same page.
He also prayed for the success of ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation against terrorists.
PML-F leader Imtiaz Sheikh told APP that the Prime Minister’s visit to GHQ was a welcome move and expressed his satisfaction over the briefing to PM on operation Zarb-e-Azb.
He said both the Pakistan Army and the government were on same page regarding elimination of terrorism from the country.
He said that the Armed Forces enjoyed support of all political and religious parties who were are also praying for success of the security forces.
President of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zakaria Usman said trade and industry as well as the country make record progress in an environment which is conducive for such activities whereas political instability, strikes and confrontation drag the economy to the negative zone.
The politics of agitation, confrontation, violence and strike was causing huge loss to national economy besides hampering economic growth, he said.
Talking to APP here on Thursday, he said that the country has been passing through a critical phase since its inception and it is the need of the hour that both economy and democracy ought to be strengthened on top priority for its survival.
He said in prevailing global scenario, the survival of states now banks on sound economy. He said to achieve this target, political stability is equally required.
Zakaria categorically announced that entire business community once again reposed their full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and in prevailing circumstance, the elected government must complete its five year term for sustained economic growth.
He said, “We strongly condemn the anti-democratic self-styled politics of Tahir Ul Qadri who is bent upon derailing the system to achieve its ulterior motives and nefarious designs to please foreign masters.”
Iftikhar Ali Malik, Vice President SAARC Chambers of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) said, “We fully support the elected government unconditionally and will not allow disgruntled elements to sabotage democracy and continuity of a politically stable government is mandatory for sound economy”.
He said all chambers and trade associations across the country affiliated with FPCCI are on one page to strengthen the national economy by extending all out support to the elected government.
