*SHAHBAZ SAYS MUSLIM UMMAH WILL HAVE TO FIGHT AGAINST POVERTY, CORRUPTION, IGNORANCE AND INJUSTICES
Islam teaches unity, harmony and brotherhood and there is a need for adopting this golden principle in our lives, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while meeting a delegation comprising delegates of Islamic countries participating in the 3-day congregation of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan led by JI Ameer Sirajul Haq which called upon the chief minister on Sunday.
Talking to the delegation, the chief minister said that 3-day congregation of JI at Minar-e-Pakistan was a splendid display of discipline and brotherhood. He said that purpose of creation of Pakistan was to set up a system of equality and justice where all citizens had equal opportunities so that an Islamic welfare state could be set up in the real sense.
The chief minister said that it is time to promote unity and cohesion and move towards a common goal with honesty and hard work as it was the message given by our forefathers. He said that 50 countries of the Muslim world from Casablanca to Kuala Lumpur are rich in natural resources but Muslim Ummah is still running on dictation. He said that we have gas, oil, fertile land and natural resources but due to lack of unity, Muslim Ummah is far behind the international community and is involved in mutual disputes. He said that the West has moved far ahead in knowledge, science and technology, research and other fields while Islamic world is left behind. He said that Muslim Ummah is divided into sects and on the basis of language, colour and creed and this is the reason for its downfall. He said that Islamic unity and cohesion cannot be achieved through mere statements and practical efforts are needed for this purpose. The chief minister in his key addresses said that the whole Islamic Ummah will have to fight for elimination of poverty, corruption, ignorance and injustice. He said that if we remain involved in fighting with each other we will not be able to achieve our due status in the comity of nations. He said that teachings of the Quran and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) also stress upon the Muslims to show tolerance, restraint and brotherhood but an attitude of intolerance has been promoted in the Muslims who have forgotten the Islamic teachings. He said that if we adopt the golden principle of tolerance, patience and peace, a number of our problems will be solved. The chief minister said that European countries remained engaged in wars for several years and millions of people were killed but today, they are united and discovering new realities and making progress.
He said that it is still time for Muslim Ummah to revive its glorious past but it will have to follow the teachings of Islam in the real sense. He said that the West has adopted our golden principles but we have forgotten them. He said that we will have to promote unity and harmony and fight against injustice, corruption and ignorance as well as promote a system which is based on justice. He said that these are the challenges to be dealt with. He said that it is a difficult task but not impossible as several nations after facing devastation and destruction have regained their lost status with hard work, determination and honesty. He said that poverty is not the name of shortage of money but paucity of respect and honour is also a form of poverty and the Muslim Ummah needs unity and harmony to deal with these challenges. He said that time has come to set aside mutual differences and promote unity.
Later, talking to journalists, the chief minister congratulated Haq on holding a 3-day congregation in a disciplined manner and said that the papers read on this occasion especially in the background of the difficult circumstances being faced by Pakistan are very encouraging. He said that this congregation has given hope at a time when Pakistan is facing numerous challenges. He said that other political parties should also refrain from sit-ins and protest politics. He said that protest should be within the limits of law and due attention should be paid to national interests. The chief minister said that he had a detailed discussion with the foreign delegates participating in the congregation who expressed their deep love for Pakistan.
Haq said that he is thankful to the chief minister and his team for extending full cooperation for the holding of the congregation. He said that unity and harmony is the solution to all problems being faced by the Islamic world. He said that forces against Islam and Muslims are trying to push us towards war but Quran gives us lesson of peace and it is time to foil the conspiracy of the enemies. He said that the future of Muslim Ummah is bright. He also assured all out support for a good cause to the government keeping aside political differences. He prayed to Allah Almighty to reward Shahbaz Sharif for the respect he had shown to the guests. Liaqat Baloch and Dr Hamam Saeed of Jordan also spoke on the occasion. Minister for Railways Saad Rafique, provincial minister Atta Maneka, National Assembly members Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Pervaiz Malik, Advisor on Health Salman Rafique, Lahore Transport Company Chairman Ahmed Hasaan, JI General Secretary Liaqat Baloch and delegates from Islamic countries were also present on the occasion.
